What are the concerns with Punjab's solid waste management?

The state's affidavit was found deficient, with significant daily gaps in waste processing and questions surrounding legacy waste remediation.

What issues were raised regarding Punjab's liquid waste management?

There is a daily gap in sewage treatment capacity, with six treatment plants being non-complying and discharge contaminating water bodies.

What recommendations were made to improve Punjab's waste management?

Recommendations include mandatory source segregation, digital waste tracking, compost market linkages, and improved sewage treatment plant operations.

Home / Environment / Punjab's Waste Claims Fizzle: NGT Slams Deficient Affidavit

Punjab's Waste Claims Fizzle: NGT Slams Deficient Affidavit

12 Apr

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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 Waste Claims Fizzle: NGT Slams Deficient Affidavit

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.