NGT orders Delhi govt to submit plan on solid waste

THE GREEN COURT ALSO SOUGHT A DETAILED REPORT ON BHALSWA LANDFILL SITE BEFORE WEDNESDAY

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal on Friday directed the Delhi government to submit an action plan on how the city’s municipal waste would be processed and disposed of.

A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar directed the state government to hold a meeting with the civic bodies and prepare a detailed action plan to implement the orders of the tribunal issued earlier to manage solid waste.

The bench also sought a detailed report on the Bhalswa – the capital’s largest landfill site before Wednesday. The green body observed that the site was a “depiction of mess” and has a negative effect on environment and health of people.

Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had earlier stressed on the need for immediate intervention of the Bhalswa landfill site and had directed the municipal corporation to use modern technologies to manage solid waste.

“It is unfortunate that one of the biggest dumping site is being ignored in this manner which is causing environmental pollution and adverse impact on public health. A number of dates have been given for this purpose but with no forward movement,” the bench observed.

The green body also observed that regular fires are spotted in the site which triggers serious air pollution.

The East Delhi Municipal Corporation’s counsel told the tribunal drivers of waste carrying vehicles have gone on strike and they were facing difficulty in cleaning the waste.