NGT pulls up states for not giving action plan on MSW

Most of the states today faced the ire of the National Green Tribunal for not complying with its order directing them to file detailed action plan to show how municipal solid waste (MSW) would be processed.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Swatanter Kumar said these states have "not cared" to file the action plan and affidavit and directed them to comply with its directions in two weeks otherwise a cost of Rs 50,000 would be imposed on each of defaulters.
"Parties were directed to filed complete and detailed action plan to show how MSW in the state would be processed...

"They were also asked to inform about the total sewage generated and how that sewage was required to be treated. None of the state has bothered to file the action plan and affidavit on it also," the bench said.
It said, "It is a matter of utmost importance and requires all states to show concern and take appropriate action."
The bench said that a copy of its order be sent to chief secretaries of the states and administrators of the Union territories and listed the matter for March 1.

The green panel was hearing a petition by Almitra Patel and others seeking directions to local bodies in states and the Centre for improving solid waste management methods.

The bench had on December 22, 2016, imposed a complete ban on burning of waste in open places across the country and announced a fine of Rs 25,000 on each incident of bulk waste burning.
While directing every state and Union Territory to enforce and implement Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, the green panel had also asked the Environment Ministry and all states to pass appropriate directions in relation to the ban on short-life Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and chlorinated plastics within a period of six months.
It had directed the states and Union territories to prepare an action plan in terms of the Rules of 2016 and as per its directions within four weeks from December 22, 2016.

The action plan would relate to the management and disposal of waste in the entire state. The steps are required to be taken in a time-bound manner, it had said.
"Establishment and operationalisation of the plants for processing and disposal of waste and selection and specifications of landfill sites which have to be constructed, be prepared and maintained strictly in accordance with the Rules of 2016," the NGT had said.
It had said non-biodegradable waste and non-recyclable plastic should be segregated from the landfill sites and used for construction of roads and embankments in all road projects all over the country.