Pollution Board warns Ambala MC over solid waste plant violations

The Regional Office of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has issued a show-cause notice to the Ambala Municipal Corporation (MC) and a contractor firm for non-compliance with pollution control norms at the Municipal Solid Waste Processing Facility in Patvi.

An inspection by HSPCB officials revealed that the facility was operating unscientifically and without adhering to the Solid Waste Management Rules. It was found to be functioning without obtaining the necessary statutory permissions, including consent to establish (CTE), consent to operate (CTO) and environmental clearance.

According to the notice, the MC has failed to obtain authorisation for the waste processing and disposal facility, has not submitted annual returns of solid waste handled and is not managing the solid waste scientifically. A large quantity of mixed municipal solid waste was found dumped at the site without proper records or a weighing machine to monitor daily dumping and lifting activities.

The inspection further revealed that the unit has not developed an adequate green belt around the landfill boundary and ambient air quality monitoring is not being conducted regularly. Leachate runoff from the landfill is also unmanaged and collected samples exceeded the prescribed limits.

An HSPCB official emphasised the need for compliance. "It is mandatory to comply with the provisions for landfill sites to operate lawfully and avoid nuisance to inhabitants and environmental degradation. The corporation has been directed to obtain necessary statutory permissions such as environmental clearance, CTO and authorisation under Municipal Solid Waste rules," the official stated.

"The MC has also been instructed to prepare an action plan for the treatment and processing of legacy and fresh waste being dumped at the site. An Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) of adequate capacity must be installed for scientific treatment and disposal of leachate and wastewater generated daily," the official added.

HSPCB Regional Officer Ajay Malik confirmed the violations and outlined the deficiencies. "During the physical verification of the Patvi plant, several shortcomings were observed. The facility is operating without required permissions and records of waste received and processed are not maintained properly. Specifications for sanitary landfills under solid waste management rules are also not being followed," he said.

"The MC authorities have been informed about the violations and remedial actions required. They have been directed to submit a compliance report and action plan, failing which appropriate action will be initiated by the board," Malik said.