Despite NGT orders, MC fails to start garbage remediation

Charanjit Singh Teja

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, December 12

The Municipal Corporation (MC) has failed to implement the directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding the Bhatanwala garbage dump. As per the NGT instructions, the civic body was to construct a wall around the dump and develop it into a green belt by planting trees. Besides, it was also directed to initiate bioremediation of garbage.

Earlier, the MC had constructed a portion of the wall around the dump but it collapsed due to the pressure of garbage. A team of officials of the NGT had visited the dump in October. After coming to know about the carelessness of the civic body, the NGT panel had slammed senior officials of the MC and asked them to complete the work without any delay. While giving a clarification to the NGT, MC officials had stated that the solid waste management company was facing financial constraints and it was the only reason that the firm failed to set up a bioremediation plant and start other works. The officials informed the team that the MC was planning to change the firm so that they could start the works soon.

Dr Ajay Kanwar, Municipal Health Officer, said, “The MC invited a Dubai-based company for solid waste management. If we reach an agreement with the company, the issues would be sorted out. Otherwise, the MC has planned to buy its own machines for the same task.” A few months ago, the NGT had imposed a penalty of Rs 20 lakh on the MC for not following the guidelines of Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016.

Meanwhile, the residents of Bhagtanwala area shared their woes. Gurdeep Singh, an area resident, said, “We are facing several health and sanitation issues due to the garbage dump. Water samples often fail the purity test and unfortunately, the MC office is not taking any safety measures. We have been demanding the shifting of the dump away from the city.”

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