Submit plan on alternate landfill sites: NGT to govt

◗ The tribunal said the action plan be filed within two weeks from now. In case of any lapse, commissioner of all civic bodies will be held reponsible

Slamming the Delhi government and the municipal corporations for not submitting an action plan for identifying alternative landfill sites despite instructions, the National Green Tribunal ( NGT) on Thursday directed them to give the said plan within two weeks.

“We directed the chief secretary to coordinate and ensure that the corporations meet and decide an action plan on the above issues. They were directed to file a resultaction plan,” a bench headed by Justice Jawad Rahim said.

“So far, the action plan has not been filed. Hence, we direct that it be filed within two weeks from now and we give them a last chance to comply with the order. In case of any lapse on the part of any authority, we shall hold the commissioner of each civic body responsible. Furthermore, we direct the chief secretary to comply with the directions,” it added.

The tribunal had also slammed the authorities on the lapse in compliance of the direction on creating management facilities for construction and debris waste, plastic and e- waste.

The green panel took exception to the submission of South Delhi Municipal Corporation ( SDMC) that the order for filing action plan was not available on the website due to which they could not do the needful.

However, the bench said, “The order speaks for itself; it was not confined only to the south corporation, but the direction involved all the municipal corporations. Therefore, such a plea is not unacceptable”.

The green panel also directed the CPCB to comply with the order and ensure steps are taken for the compliance of the order. The matter is now posted for next hearing on March 15.