Lok Adalat instructs MC to properly manage garbage collection point

A Permanent Lok Adalat has passed an order directing the Municipal Corporation (MC), Jalandhar, to ensure that the garbage collection point near Urban Estate Phase-II petrol pump is properly managed in compliance with the Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.

The petition was filed by the Urban Estate Welfare Society. During the hearing, the Municipal Corporation, through its Health Officer Dr Shri Krishan, had assured that the site was only a temporary transfer station and not a permanent dump, and all waste would be transported daily to the Wariana dumping site.

The case was represented by advocate JP Singh. The Bench comprising Jagdeep Singh Marok (Chairman), Sushma Handoo, and DK Sharma (both members) recorded this assurance as binding on the corporation. The decision marks a positive step towards safeguarding the public health and maintaining environmental standards in Urban Estate.

The residents in their petition had sought removal of the unauthorised garbage dumping site. The petition, filed under Section 22B of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, had pointed out that though the site had never been designated for the waste disposal under any master plan or municipal notification, yet it continued to be used as a dumping ground in violation of the law.

The residents highlighted grave risks arising from the dump because of its location. “The dump is located opposite a busy market and hospitals and emanates foul smell and spreads contamination and disease. It falls adjacent to a petrol pump and 132 KV PSTCL Sub-Station, posing risks of fire and explosion. The dump also obstructs a 60-feet road and is dangerously close to the railway line and religious places.”

The residents demanded that the practice of dumping waste at the site be immediately stopped. They also demanded that the garbage be shifted to a designated and scientifically managed disposal facility. Besides, they sought cleaning, fumigating and sanitising of the affected area.