Landfill site at Noida: NGT asks residents to approach UP govt

NEW DELHI: The National Green Tribunal has directed a Noida-based association of homeowners to approach the Uttar Pradesh government with its plea that the proposed Sector 123 site was unfit for setting up a landfill for municipal waste.

A bench headed by acting Chairperson Justice U D Salvi asked the residents, who are opposing the setting up of a waste-to-energy plant and landfill at the site, to make a representation to the state government and the NOIDA authority. "It can be seen that the matter of utilisation of the site at Sector 123, NOIDA for municipal solid waste processing site/waste to energy plant lies before the authority and the aggrieved parties are granted liberty to approach the authorities concerned to vent their grievances.

"The present application can be disposed of with liberty being granted to the applicant to approach the state of Uttar Pradesh and NOIDA authority with a plea that as per sitting criteria the site at Sector 123, NOIDA is not an appropriate site. Liberty in aforesaid terms is thus granted," the bench said.

The green panel also directed the authorities concerned to take a decision in this regard after considering the plea in accordance with law.

The tribunal's direction came while disposing of a plea filed by Homes 121 Apartment Owners Association seeking relocation of a waste-to-energy plant at sector 123 in Noida on the grounds that it would cause air and water pollution.

The plea contended that nearly half-a-dozen residential sectors with at least 20,000 families were staying in the area and severe health hazards were likely to occur in case the plant is constructed there.