Pollution board notice to Sangrur MC officials over poor waste management

Taking cognizance of repeated complaints of poor solid waste management issue in Sangrur, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has issued a notice to the executive officer (EO) and Sangrur Municipal Council (MC) president to appear in person and explain their position on November 28.

The notice, a copy of which is with The Tribune, has asked the Sangrur MC authorities to clarify their position as to why the proposed action under the provisions of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 framed under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 should not be taken, failing which it will be presumed that the civic authorities has nothing to say. The Board shall go ahead to take the proposed action under the said Act/without giving any further notice/opportunity.

Earlier on November 14, the Punjab State and Chandigarh Human Rights Commission has sought a report from the MC after taking suo motu cognisance of The Tribune report on poor waste management.

The notice mentioned that the complaints have been received from Jasinder Sekhon and Asha Rani, both residents of Sangrur against mismanagement of solid waste by the MC. They also flagged the civic body’s alleged failure to implement door-to-door segregation, transportation, burning of solid waste generated in the city and non-functional composite pits, secondary points, management of stray cattle in garbage points.

The complainants have also alleged that due to this, nuisance has been caused to the public, there has been outbreak of diseases and there is state of emergency.