Home / Environment / Punjab's Waste Claims Fizzle: NGT Slams Deficient Affidavit
Punjab's Waste Claims Fizzle: NGT Slams Deficient Affidavit
12 Apr
Summary
- Punjab's solid waste affidavit is deficient and lacks environmental outcome confidence.
- Significant gaps exist between waste generated, transported, and processed daily.
- Legacy waste figures remain static despite reported remediation efforts.
Punjab's compliance with solid and liquid waste management rules faces scrutiny from the National Green Tribunal (NGT). An amicus curiae's report found the state's affidavit "deficient in substance," lacking confidence in environmental outcomes. The report highlights daily gaps of 403 tonnes in solid waste processing and 210.41 million litres per day in sewage treatment across Punjab's urban local bodies.
Concerns extend to legacy waste management, with static figures of 84.09 lakh metric tonnes reported despite claims of significant remediation. The amicus questions how this total remains unchanged. Additionally, six sewage treatment plants are non-complying, and treated and untreated discharge contaminates local water bodies, impacting environmental and public health.
Recommendations include mandatory source segregation, digital tracking, market linkages for compost, and strict enforcement of Extended Producer Responsibility. For liquid waste, temporary modular treatment units and interception systems are suggested, with non-complying STPs required to meet standards within three months. The amicus emphasized that the state's affidavit does not inspire confidence in its environmental commitments.
