NGT raps Sirhind civic body, PPCB over waste dumping

The National Green Tribunal has passed a strong order against the Municipal Corporation, Sirhind, for persistent illegal dumping of solid waste and against the Punjab Pollution Control Board for regulatory failure.

On an application filed by the Public Accounts Committee, the tribunal recorded that solid waste was dumped without consent or authorisation on both sides of Hansla Nadi, a natural flood drain, in violation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. During the pendency of the case, the municipal council created another illegal dumping site at Fatehgarh Sahib/Bassi Pathana without PPCB’s consent. The tribunal termed the conduct a “gross violation”.

The tribunal relied on photographic evidence with geo-coordinates submitted by the applicant. An RTI reply from the PPCB confirmed that no no-objection certificate or consent had been granted for the new dumping site.

The NGT noted that although environmental compensation of Rs 1.23 crore had been imposed for violations between July 2020 and September 2025, the PPCB had taken no steps to recover the amount. It observed that even issuance of a revenue recovery certificate to the district magistrate had not been initiated.

Rejecting assurances by the municipal council that legacy waste would be cleared by March 2026, the tribunal said such statements had “no meaning” unless translated into action on the ground.

The tribunal directed the Member Secretary, PPCB, and the Executive Officer of the Municipal Council, Sirhind, to appear personally before it on April 27. The PPCB was also asked to examine reports of unauthorised construction at the new dumping site and take action in accordance with law.

Kapil Arora and Kuldeep Singh Khaira said the order exposed systemic failure in solid waste governance and highlighted the need for strict enforcement to protect Punjab’s environment and water bodies.