In NGT orders' violation, Model Town garbage dump is back

In a striking display of administrative failure, garbage has again been dumped near the Model Town Cremation Ground here today, in blatant defiance of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directives and the lofty promises of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders. The site, which had been a long-standing source of contention for residents, had supposedly been shut down following an NGT order last month.

This development, however, has again sparked outrage as it highlights the authorities’ inability to enforce the tribunal’s verdict. Adding to the frustration is AAP’s pre-election theatrics, where party leaders demolished the boundary wall of the dump and declared, “The AAP delivers what it promises.” Residents now say these promises have proven hollow, with the garbage pile reappearing just weeks after the municipal polls.

“We were hopeful when the NGT had intervened, but everything is back to square one. Leaders wasted public money and resources to demolish a structure, and now the dump is back. Our tax money was dusted to the ground,” said a resident, Meenal Verma.

The NGT’s December ruling had ordered the Jalandhar Municipal Corporation (MC) to immediately stop waste dumping at the site, remove the accumulated garbage and transport it to designated transfer stations as per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. The tribunal had also tasked the Punjab Pollution Control Board with monitoring compliance, with the next hearing set for April 1, 2025.

However, this verdict seems to have been ignored. Tejasvi Minhas, the social activist, who filed the petition at the NGT, termed the current situation the “contempt of court.” “We were optimistic that the issue was resolved, but this blatant violation undermines the tribunal’s authority and residents’ struggles. We will raise this matter at the next hearing,” he said.

The reappearance of the garbage dump has reignited criticism against AAP leaders. “They demolished the boundary wall just before the elections, calling it an achievement. Now the dump is back and we are left to suffer. Our health, peace and environment everything is being sacrificed for their vote bank politics,” said another resident.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC), led by Varinder Malik and Jaswinder Singh Sahni, which had fought relentlessly for the dump’s closure, called the latest developments a mockery of governance. “They made grand promises, but this is where we stand today,” JAC representatives said.

Meanwhile, MC Health Officer Kishan Sharma denied the corporation’s involvement, claiming the garbage was dumped by informal waste collectors. “We have issued clear orders to cease all activities at this site. We will investigate and ensure the waste is lifted promptly. Steps will also be taken to supervise the site to prevent further violations,” he said.