NGT prohibits J&K govt from throwing waste near Anchar lake

Jammu and Kashmir government and the municipal corporation of the state were on Thursday prohibited by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) from throwing any municipal solid waste in the vicinity of Anchar lake in Srinagar.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar pulled up the authorities concerned, saying no steps have been taken by them in terms of the tribunal's order passed on July 20 regarding disposal of solid and other wastes in Srinagar.

"What is the government doing? You (authorities) are doing nothing," the tribunal said, adding, "Government has to ensure that there is public welfare."

"We direct and prohibit municipal corporation and state government from throwing any municipal solid waste or other waste at the site in question at Anchar lake, Srinagar," the bench said and posted the matter for further hearing on August 22.

The green panel also issued bailable warrants against the Secretary concerned of the state and Municipal Commissioner of Srinagar for their failure to appear before it.

On July 20, the tribunal had directed these two officers to remain present before it today in the event of failure of the state to conclude the issue of waste to energy plant.

"We had directed that Secretary concerned and Municipal Commissioner will be present. Despite our order, none is present... Issue bailable warrant of their production before the tribunal," the bench said.

The counsel appearing for the state told the NGT that they have not received any single tender for waste to energy plant.

The bench, however, said that it was the state government which had earlier said that tender should not be awarded to the only contractor who was willing to do the work.

The tribunal had earlier observed that authorities have not "acted properly" in dealing with the issue of waste to energy plant.

The NGT had also asked the government and state pollution control board to file a comprehensive report before it on the hospitals which were not complying with bio-medical waste rules and the action proposed to be taken against them.

It had observed that the report filed by state pollution control board in relation to the collection, transportation and disposal of bio-medical waste by different hospitals was not in accordance with law and its affidavit was inadequate.