NGT seeks detailed compliance reports in waste dumping case

Dehradun: Expressing dissatisfaction with the responses filed in a garbage dumping case -- Principal Sharda Public School vs State of Uttarakhand and others-- the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the respondents to submit replies specifically addressing the obligations cast upon them under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016/2025.The tribunal said responses must include details of remedial measures proposed to be taken, the agencies responsible for execution, budgetary allocations, specific timelines and the monitoring or nodal officer concerned.NGT also ordered the impleadment of the principal secy of urban development and the principal chief conservator of forest (PCCF) as respondents, and directed the registry to amend the memo of parties and issue notices to the newly added respondents.The PCCF has also been directed to clarify whether the land where garbage was being dumped fell within a forest area, and if there was any violation of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, and the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980.During a hearing on April 6, the NGT’s principal bench said the reports and responses submitted by the respondents did not provide sufficient details on compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and other environmental norms.

The bench of judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member A Senthil Vel also recorded that an additional affidavit dated April 2 was filed by the district magistrate of Almora and found these inadequate for proper adjudication.The matter has been listed for further hearing on May 18.