Punjab Government fined for poor waste management by NGT

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Imposes fine on Punjab Government ₹1,000 crore for poor waste management, particularly for failing to manage legacy waste and untreated sewage. The fine is to be deposited with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

About Waste Management:

• Waste management involves the collection, transportation, processing, and disposal of waste. Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management is a critical function handled by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) under the framework established by the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2016.
• SWM Rules, 2016: These rules mandate that ULBs must set up comprehensive waste collection, transportation, processing, and disposal systems to manage municipal solid waste effectively.

Challenges:

• Public Attitudes: There is widespread apathy towards waste management, and public participation in proper waste segregation at the source is minimal.
• Poor Waste Segregation: Waste is not effectively segregated at the source, complicating the management and recycling processes.
• Lack of Strategic Planning: There is a deficiency in strategic MSW plans across many municipalities, leading to inefficient waste management practices.
• Limited Expertise: The availability of qualified waste management professionals is scarce, limiting the effective implementation of waste management strategies.
• Budget Constraints: Municipal authorities often face budgetary limitations that hinder the development and maintenance of efficient waste management systems.
• Data Deficiency: Accurate data on waste generation, including its composition and quantities, is often lacking in cities, making it difficult to plan and implement effective waste management strategies.

Way Forward:

• Circular Economy: Emphasis should be placed on viewing waste as a resource, promoting recycling, recovery, and reuse to create a circular economy.
• Strong Regulatory Authority: Establishing a robust and independent authority to oversee and regulate waste management practices is crucial.
• Long-Term Planning: Municipalities should engage in long-term waste management planning, involving the private sector and NGOs as key stakeholders.

About National Green Tribunal (NGT):

• The NGT is a statutory body established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
• It serves as a specialized judicial body dedicated to adjudicating environmental cases in India.
• The NGT’s primary mandate is to provide effective and expeditious remedies in cases related to environmental protection, the conservation of forests, and natural resources.
  • It also enforces legal rights related to the environment.
• Function: The tribunal operates under the principles of natural justice, making decisions that are binding and providing swift resolution of environmental disputes.

Composition:

• The NGT is composed of a Chairperson, Judicial Members, and Expert Members.
• The Chairperson is a retired Supreme Court judge, while other judicial members are retired High Court judges.
• Expert members must have at least 15 years of professional experience in environmental or forest conservation fields.
• Each bench of the NGT includes at least one judicial member and one expert member.

Jurisdiction and Powers:

• The NGT has the authority to hear all civil cases related to environmental issues, particularly those linked to the laws listed in Schedule I of the NGT Act, such as the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• It also has appellate jurisdiction, allowing it to hear appeals as a court.
• The NGT is not bound by the procedures of the Civil Procedure Code, 1908, but is guided by the principles of natural justice.

Operational Efficiency:

• The tribunal is mandated to resolve applications or appeals within six months of their filing, ensuring timely justice in environmental cases.

Ref: Source

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