The NGT bench, led by Chairman Justice Prakash Shrivastva, emphasised that the affidavit must also detail the steps taken so far and identify the sources of funding required to meet these targets.

The order came during the hearing of an application filed by Varinder Malik and Tajasvi Minhas. The NGT noted that Jalandhar MC's additional commissioner, representing the MC commissioner, reported that 500 tonnes per day (TPD) of solid waste is generated within the city?s municipal limits, of which only 120 TPD is currently being treated. This leaves 380 TPD contributing to the legacy waste daily, with much of it being transported to the Waryana dump site near the city.

The bench also acknowledged grievances raised in the original applications regarding an illegal garbage dump behind Kewal Vihar, opposite the cremation ground in Model Town, Jalandhar. The applicants alleged that unsegregated mixed solid waste was being dumped at the site, posing a significant health hazard.

A report from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), cited by the NGT, confirmed the applicant's concerns about unsegregated waste dumping in Model Town. The report also noted that the MC had failed to provide bins or compactors at the site.

Furthermore, the PPCB report revealed that an environmental compensation (EC) of Rs 45 million had been imposed on the MC for violating the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. The PPCB also directed the MC to submit a fresh bank guarantee of Rs 2.5 million within 15 days as an assurance to comply with the rules.

The PPCB stated that it would prepare and present the matter for imposing EC as per the NGT methodology by July 31, 2024, within seven days. The MC was also ordered to submit the remaining compensation of Rs 36 million, previously imposed up to March 31, along with the EC till July 31, within 15 days. The NGT further noted that the board has the authority to initiate legal proceedings against the MC and responsible officers if the rules are not followed. (TOI)