Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding burning of plastic in villages of Mundka, Nangloi, Neelwal, Kamruddin Nagar, Ranhaula, Tikri-Kalan, Delhi, 20/07/2018
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Satish Kumar Vs. Union of India & Others dated 20/07/20118.
The matter relates to two writ petitions filed before the High Court of Delhi which were transferred to NGT. One petition was filed by Mr. Satish Kumar resident of village Mundka, New Delhi alleging environment pollution caused by burning of plastic, leather, rubber, motor engine oil and other waste materials and continuous operation of illegal industrial units dealing with such articles on agricultural lands in village Mundka, New Delhi.
The other petition has been filed by Mahavir Singh resident of Village Neelwal, Tikri-Kalan, Delhi and complains of pollution caused by illegal and unauthorized industrial activities of shredding, cleaning, recycling, burning of plastic, rubber articles or such other waste materials in the villages of Nangloi, Ghewara, Neelwal, Mundka, Kamruddin Nagar, Tikri-Kalan, Ranhaula etc. spread over a stretch of land along the Delhi – Haryana border.
NGT had passed an Order in 12/12/2013:
- Wherein all the plastic waste/scrap dealers and recyclers shall be restrained from carrying on their business of segregation of plastic waste and its eventual transfer to recyclers or disposal contrary to and without registration under the provisions of Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011;
- There shall be no unregulated open burning of plastic/rubber or such other articles anywhere in India.
- Government NCT of Delhi, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Haryana State Pollution Board and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi within whose limits the villages of Nangloi, Ghewara, Neelwal, Mundka, Kamruddin Nagar, Tikri-Kalan, Ranhaula etc. fall are directed to work out a plan for restoration of lands affected by illegal and unauthorized activity of segregation and disposal of plastic waste.
The petitioners have pointed out that even after more than four and a half years the pollution caused by the unregulated handling of plastic continues to remain unabated. NGT finds that inspite of clear directions, in practical terms there is hardly any action for compliance of orders of the Tribunal. Environment pollution as was found in the order dated 12th December, 2013 continues unabated in blatant violation of law and under the nose of the authorities who have hardly done anything concrete except furnishing excuses and helplessness. Counsel for both the North DMC on the one hand and the Delhi Administration on the other, state that there is non-cooperation by the other.
National Green Tribunal directs : The Chief Secretary Delhi to co-ordinate with the concerned municipal authorities, the police authorities and other officers responsible for compliance of orders of the Court and to ensure compliance at the ground level forthwith. NGT gives four months time for compliance of the order. On expiry of period of four months, the Chief Secretary must file his own affidavit with regard to the steps taken.