NGT Penalizes Amritsar Municipal Corporation for Non-Compliance
The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), comprising Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, Judicial Member, and Dr A Senthil Vel, Expert Member, has imposed a fresh fine of Rs 50,000 on the Amritsar Municipal Corporation (MC). The penalty stems from the corporation's delay in complying with previous tribunal orders concerning the management of legacy waste at the Chabbal Road dumping site in Amritsar.
Background of the Case
The NGT was hearing an original application filed by Sunil Luthra against the State of Punjab and others, focusing on the improper handling of legacy waste at the Chabbal Road site. In an earlier order dated April 1, 2026, the tribunal had directed the Municipal Corporation, Amritsar, to examine the grievances raised in the application and undertake appropriate remedial measures in line with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. The corporation was also required to file comprehensive responses detailing action taken or proposed, including budgetary allocations, timelines for compliance, and adherence to the tribunal's directions.
Corporation's Response and Tribunal's Observations
In its response, the Municipal Corporation submitted that the Chabbal Road site was an old, abandoned dumping site where no fresh waste was being dumped. It further stated that the tendering process for bio-remediation and disposal of legacy waste had been initiated. According to the corporation, the 3.67 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of legacy waste at the landfill would be scientifically processed and cleared within six months of awarding the contract.
However, the NGT observed that the response filed by the Municipal Corporation did not adequately address the grievances raised in the application. It failed to furnish requisite details regarding compliance with the tribunal's earlier directions, including particulars of the tendering process, technical evaluation, budgetary provisions, and timelines.
Fine and Further Directions
Granting additional time for filing a comprehensive response, the tribunal imposed the cost of Rs 50,000, to be deposited with the National Green Tribunal Bar Association, Principal Bench, New Delhi, within one month. The tribunal further directed the Municipal Corporation, Amritsar, to file an additional response within two months containing all requisite details. Officials concerned have also been directed to initiate appropriate punitive action in accordance with the law and submit an additional response detailing the action taken within the same period.
