Chandigarh Pollution Body Slaps Rs 2.37 Lakh Fine on Waste Management Firm
The Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC) has taken strict action against a Ghaziabad-based company responsible for biomining legacy waste at the Dadumajra dumping site. The firm has been directed to deposit Rs 2.37 lakh as environment compensation (EC) for commencing operations without obtaining the mandatory consent to operate (CTO).
Clear Violation of Environmental Norms
According to official statements from the CPCC, the company installed machinery and initiated biomining activities at the site without securing the required CTO. This constitutes a clear violation of established environmental regulations. The committee has emphasized that this penalty is non-negotiable and cannot be waived under any circumstances.
The CPCC has formally communicated to the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) that if the company fails to pay the stipulated amount, the compensation will be recovered directly from the municipal body. This places additional pressure on both the contractor and the local administration to ensure compliance.
Official Warning and Legal Implications
In a detailed letter addressed to the company and copied to the MC, the CPCC outlined the sequence of events and issued a final warning. The communication stated:
"You were directed to deposit environment compensation of Rs 2,37,500, after which CTO would be granted. You later requested a waiver, which was not considered as norms were violated. You were again directed to deposit the amount, but no response has been received. You are hereby given another opportunity to deposit the EC, failing which legal action under Sections 25/26 of the Water Act, 1974, and Section 21 of the Air Act, 1981, will be initiated without further reference."
This indicates that the firm had previously ignored directives and even sought exemption from the penalty, which was firmly rejected by the authorities.
Balancing Enforcement with Essential Work
Sources reveal that while the CPCC possesses the authority to seal the equipment and halt operations entirely, it is adopting a measured approach. The biomining project is considered crucial for clearing legacy waste and is under active monitoring by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
Instead of imposing drastic measures that could delay the waste clearance, the committee has opted to formally demand compliance from the company while keeping the municipal corporation informed. This strategy aims to enforce regulations without disrupting the environmentally significant work.
Progress on Legacy Waste Clearance
In related developments, the clearance of legacy waste at the Dadumajra site is nearing completion. Reports indicate that only 12,000 to 13,000 metric tonnes of waste remain at the location, with operations proceeding at full capacity.
The Municipal Corporation has already begun preparatory work for the redevelopment of the cleared area. Plans include extensive plantation initiatives and associated environmental works, for which necessary documentation is currently being processed.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges in managing urban waste while adhering to environmental protocols, emphasizing the need for strict compliance even in critical infrastructure projects.
