NGT asks Punjab, Haryana govt to furnish details on waste

National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed Punjab and Haryana governments to give details of total municipal solid waste generated in Mohali and Punchkula and its mode of collection and disposal.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar also sought similar details from Chandigarh's authority and asked them to inform it about the exact quantum of plastic and other non-degradable waste, inert waste and degradable waste that can be composted.
The green panel asked the Chandigarh authority to file a comprehensive report regarding the Sukhna drain and directed that it be scientifically de-silted and cleaned of any municipal solid waste.

"The affidavit will state as to what is the total municipal solid waste generated in these areas; what is the mode of its collection and how the waste is segregated, transported and disposed of," the bench said.
"The exact quantum of waste would be provided, further bifurcating that into the exact quantum of plastic and other non-degradable waste, inert waste and degradable waste that can be composted," it said and fixed the matter for hearing on August 8.
The tribunal also asked the counsel appearing for Ministry of Environment and Forest to take instructions if any plastic bags including unwoven polypropylene are recycled so that they do not generate waste or pollution.

The NGT had earlier prohibited use of plastic carry bags in various areas of Punjab and Haryana and sought their responses on the imposition of a complete ban.

The direction had come while hearing a plea in which it was alleged that there was "gross failure" in waste management system and delay in tackling garbage disposal in the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
It had also declared a fine of Rs 5,000 on anyone found using or dealing with plastic material in Chandigarh.
Later, a traders' body had challenged its order banning use of bags, plates and glasses made of plastic and allied material in Chandigarh.