Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding solid waste management, Ludhiana, 01/11/2022
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of In re: News item published in The Indian Express dated 20th April, 2022, titled “7 Charred to death in fire near Ludhiana dumpsite” dated 01/11/2022. The Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana, must carry out its obligation for remediation of legacy waste of 30 lakhs MT as well as scientific management of current waste strictly in accordance with Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, said the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order. For any continuing default, Chief Secretary of the state of Punjab would be held personally accountable. Attention be duly given to prevention of land fill fires, including unnecessary entry of any visitors and workers, the NGT order, November 1, 2022 said.
Proceedings in the matter was taken up in the light of a media report to the effect that seven persons were charred to death in a fire at a garbage dump site at Tajpur road, Ludhiana. Most of the deceased belonged to the rag picker family who were living for the last ten years near the site with a huge dump of 20 lakhs tons. The report of the Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana, September 21, 2022 said that bio-remediation work for 5 lakhs MT is taken up while bioremediation for remaining 19.6 lakhs tonnes is yet to take off. Compensation of Rs. 57.5 lakhs has been deposited in a separate account for disbursement after police enquiry is completed, the report informed the NGT. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) called it "uncalled for attempt of the Municipal Corporation" that disbursement of compensation will be linked to the police enquiry and said that the stand is untenable.