Latest news with #SolidWasteManagementRules
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
HC rejects plea to shift Hadapsar waste facility, directs strict compliance by PMC, PCB
The Bombay High Court has dismissed a petition seeking the relocation of the waste processing facility operating at the Hadapsar industrial estate in Pune. The order came in response to two petitions challenging the continued use of the Hadapsar site by PMC and PCB. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO) In its order dated August 5, the court directed the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) to ensure that no mixed solid waste is dumped on any part of the 28-acre site, and that all operations strictly comply with environmental regulations. The HC bench Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Judge Sandeep V Marne stated that while the existing facility can continue operations, PMC and PCB must ensure strict adherence to the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and the conditions laid down in the environmental authorisation. 'PCB and PMC shall ensure that the municipal solid waste transported to the site is processed and disposed of either by composting of wet waste, recycling and reuse of dry waste, and transportation of non-biodegradable and unusable waste to a sanitary landfill. PCB and PMC shall take all necessary measures to suppress and control foul odour, toxic gases, dust, etc., emanating from the waste processing facility and adopt modern techniques to ensure the health of nearby residents is not adversely affected,' the order stated. The court also directed the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to enforce strict compliance. If PMC, PCB, or their contractors fail to meet the conditions, the MPCB must initiate appropriate legal action. Further, the court clarified that PMC and PCB may approach the state government for identification and allocation of additional land for setting up or expanding waste management infrastructure. However, it is for the state government to decide in accordance with the law. The order came in response to two petitions challenging the continued use of the Hadapsar site by PMC and PCB. The petitioners alleged that mixed solid waste was being dumped at the site, leading to toxic emissions, foul odour, and air pollution affecting the health of residents living nearby. The first petition—a Public Interest Litigation (PIL)—was filed by the Hadapsar Industries Association and St Patrick's Town Co-operative Society Ltd. The petitioners sought a complete discontinuation of waste processing at the site and its relocation outside city limits, citing violations of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and a government resolution dated September 11, 2018. They also claimed the land, bearing Survey No. 120-298 and measuring about 28 acres, was not suitable for garbage processing. The PIL noted that while PCB had used the land for over 100 years, it was doing so merely as a 'lessee holding over' and did not own the property. The petitioners referred to a suit filed by 61 claimants asserting ownership and seeking PCB's eviction. Although the suit was dismissed in 2009, an appeal is pending. The second petition, a writ petition, was filed by five senior citizens from the Sopan Baug area, who alleged exposure to foul-smelling and toxic air for nearly six hours daily due to operations at the site. They, too, demanded that the waste facility be moved outside city limits. Respondents included the PCB, PMC, MPCB, the Pune District Collector, and the State of Maharashtra.
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
TOI impact: NGT puts Chandigarh MC, CPCC on notice over Dadumajra crisis
1 2 Chandigarh: Taking suo motu cognisance of the TOI report, published on July 23, about a public health emergency due to missed deadlines to remove legacy waste at Dadumajra, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the Chandigarh municipal corporation and Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC). The NGT noted, "The news item relates to a major environmental and public health emergency at the Dadumajra dumping site in Chandigarh. The article mentions that the heavy monsoon rains are aggravating the crisis. The article highlights that due to continuous heavy rains, overflowing leachate, contaminated liquid runoff mixed with solid waste, is spreading into nearby fields and even seeping into the Patiala Ki Rao Choe. " According to TOI report, initially, the authorities promised to clear the waste by May 31, but on the same day, a massive fire erupted at the dumping ground, requiring 1.25 lakh litres of water to extinguish the flame. The deadline was then pushed to July, but the garbage is still there. Residents said the situation has deteriorated into a severe public health emergency. They reported a rise in respiratory illnesses, skin diseases, and serious conditions like tuberculosis and cancer. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Beyond Text Generation: An AI Tool That Helps You Write Better Grammarly Install Now Undo The foul odour from the leachate has made it difficult to breathe, and many allege that constant exposure to the stench is affecting their health. Residents have also raised concerns about safety, stating that the leachate flowing onto roads has made them slippery and dangerous. Despite repeated demands from residents for urgent action, they claim that no effective measures have been taken so far. The tribunal, in its order, said, "The news item indicates violation of the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. The news item raises substantial issues relating to compliance with the environmental norms and implementation of the provisions of scheduled enactment. "
News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
NGT steps in over toxic waste crisis at Chandigarhs Dadumajra Dump
New Delhi [India], August 5 (ANI): The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has initiated suo motu proceedings following media reports of a growing environmental and public health crisis at the Dadumajra dumping ground in Chandigarh. It stated that a news article published on July 23 revealed that leachate–polluted liquid runoff from the accumulated waste–has started contaminating nearby fields and water bodies, including the Patiala Ki Rao Choe. Heavy monsoon rains have worsened the situation, prompting serious concern among local have reported an alarming surge in respiratory illnesses, skin infections, and even serious diseases like tuberculosis and cancer due to toxic waste mixing with rainwater and seeping into residential zones. The unbearable stench from decomposing waste and chemical runoff has further degraded everyday living conditions in the surrounding Tribunal noted several environmental laws had been violated, including the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016; Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; and Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. The bench, led by Justice Prakash Shrivastava and supported by Dr A Senthil Vel and Dr Afroz Ahmad, attributed the unfolding crisis to ongoing mismanagement and delayed action by scheduled to be cleared by May 31, the dumping site remained unaddressed. On the deadline itself, a massive fire erupted, requiring more than 1.25 lakh litres of water to extinguish. Despite a revised cleanup target set for July, the waste still remains uncleared, heightening response, the Tribunal issued notices to the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee, the Deputy Commissioner of Chandigarh, and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). These entities have been instructed to file their affidavits with responses at least one week prior to the next hearing, which is slated for November 3, Tribunal reinforced its authority to act in environmental emergencies, citing the Supreme Court's ruling in Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors., which upheld the NGT's right to intervene without formal petitions. (ANI)
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Supreme Court stays Kerala HC ban on single-use plastics in state
The Supreme Court Monday stayed the Kerala High Court order banning use and sale of Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) in the state. A bench of Chief Justice of India B R Gavai and K Vinod Chandran also issued notice to the state on the appeal challenging the June 17, 2025 order which came on a writ petition initiated suo motu by the HC in 2023. The plea contended that though the petition initiated following a fire at the Solid Waste Plant in Brahmapuram in Kochi was initially limited to enforcing the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, the June 17 order, went beyond this scope and issued directions under the Plastic Waste Management rules. It said the HC's directions go beyond, and in some parts contradict, the existing Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. The HC in its order noted SUP use had become rampant in all areas of the State. —ENS
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Waste rule violations: PMC to issue notices to commercial establishments
Pune: In a strong move to improve cleanliness and enforce solid waste management rules, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will start issuing notices to commercial establishments and shop owners that fail to follow waste segregation and plastic waste management guidelines, said officials on Friday. Pune, India - March 01, 2020:Garbage at Mominpura, Ganj peth in Pune, India, on Sunday, March 01, 2020.-HT photo The decision was taken after Pune municipal commissioner Naval Kishore Ram issued orders to start taking stern action against commercial establishments violating the waste rules on July 30, 2025. According to the civic body, many business owners in the city are not complying with solid waste management norms, despite clear rules laid out under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. PMC solid waste management (SWM) department on Thursday issued order to all zonal officers, ward officers and sanitary inspectors to initiate action. As per the guidelines, every commercial establishment must place two separate bins—one for wet waste and one for dry waste—outside their premises. They are also responsible for maintaining cleanliness not only inside their shops or establishments, but also at the immediate surrounding area. These rules are backed by the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act, 1949, and the state government's notification dated March 23, 2018, which restricts the use, sale, and transport of non-biodegradable plastic and thermocol products, they said. Sandip Kadam, head, SWM department, said, despite repeated awareness efforts, PMC officials have observed widespread violations across different parts of the city. 'Now we have finalised the format of the notices, which will be served daily to violators. Besides, penal action will be taken based on violation and frequency,' he said. According to PMC officials, all sanitary inspectors have been instructed to visit and inspect at least 25 commercial establishments every day and serve notices to violators. A daily report of visits and actions taken must be submitted to the solid waste management department and further reported to the municipal commissioner. 'This is not just about penal action, but it's about making the city cleaner and healthier. We urge commercial establishments to strictly follow the guidelines and support our mission to make Pune cleaner,' Kadam said.
