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NGT Slams Officials Over Kolkata Dumping Ground Crisis
12 Jan
Summary
- NGT criticizes Howrah DM for incomplete waste management report.
- Howrah Municipal Corporation faces violations of waste disposal rules.
- WBPCB ordered to initiate proceedings and impose environmental compensation.
The National Green Tribunal's Eastern Zonal Bench has sharply rebuked authorities over lapses concerning the Belgachia dumping ground subsidence. Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Ishwar Singh criticized the Howrah District Magistrate for not providing a complete compliance report regarding Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2016. The magistrate's submission inadequately addressed mandatory land identification for waste facilities.
The NGT has directed the District Magistrate to ensure adherence to SWM Rules, 2016, and to quarterly review the Howrah Municipal Corporation's performance. Multiple violations by the Howrah Municipal Corporation were also outlined, including inadequate door-to-door waste collection, absence of hazardous waste collection, and failure to establish processing facilities and sanitary landfills.
Furthermore, the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) was instructed to commence proceedings against responsible officials and levy environmental compensation for past non-compliance. A detailed compliance report is mandated for the next hearing, underscoring the urgency for corrective actions in waste management.
