NGT Directs Rajasthan Authorities Over Illegal Mansarovar Garbage Depot
The National Green Tribunal's Central Zone Bench in Bhopal issued clear directions to authorities in Rajasthan on Monday. The tribunal addressed the issue of an illegal garbage dumping site operating in Mansarovar, Jaipur. The bench scheduled the next hearing in this matter for March 30.
Residents File Application Against Illegal Dumping
A bench comprising Justice Sheo Kumar Singh, the judicial member, and Ishwar Singh, the expert member, heard an application filed by Sachin Dhaka and other residents. The applicants named the chief secretary of Rajasthan, along with several government and private entities, as respondents.
The residents contended that a garbage dumping site has been operating illegally on Rajasthan Housing Board land since 2021. The site, located at Khasra No 270, Block C, near Sector 4, RIICO, Fun Kingdom Road in Mansarovar, covers an area of 14,545.055 square metres.
Major Pollution and Health Hazards Cited
The applicants described the dump as a major source of pollution and serious health hazards. They stated the site lies directly adjacent to a residential area. Despite repeated complaints to various authorities, the dump continued to function due to administrative inaction. This inaction, they argued, violates the residents' fundamental right to a healthy life.
The facility reportedly operates without any consent to establish, consent to operate, or environmental clearance. Open dumping and burning of waste occurs regularly at the site, in clear breach of established environmental rules.
Threat to Drinking Water and Aviation Safety
The applicants pointed out a critical danger to the local water supply. The illegal dump sits close to a tube well and a water tank maintained by the public health engineering department. This infrastructure supplies drinking water to residents of the SFS Colony in Mansarovar.
"Hazardous waste lying in the open rendered the water sources vulnerable to contamination," the applicants stated. They emphasized that this exposure poses severe health risks, particularly for senior citizens and individuals suffering from serious illnesses.
The tribunal also heard about a significant aviation safety concern. The garbage depot lies in close proximity to Jaipur International Airport. The site attracts large flocks of birds, creating a serious bird-strike hazard for aircraft operating in the area.
Pollution Board Report and Tribunal Directives
The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board informed the tribunal that a committee constituted by the NGT had inspected the site on January 10. The committee is currently in the process of finalizing its report. The bench granted the board three weeks to submit this final report.
The tribunal granted a similar three-week period to several other parties to file their replies. These parties include:
- The Jaipur Collector
- Jaipur Municipal Corporation Greater
- The Central Pollution Control Board
- The Central Ground Water Board
- Private respondent M/s Ravi Travels
Other respondents in the case also received directions to submit their responses within the same three-week timeframe.
Immediate Compliance Ordered
In the interim, the tribunal issued specific directives to the municipal corporation and other relevant authorities. They must ensure strict compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016.
The bench explicitly ordered that there should be no open burning of solid waste at the site. This order aims to prevent further violations of environmental regulations while the case proceeds.
