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Illegal dumping of waste has been a major problem in India, particularly in urban areas. The indiscriminate dumping of waste not only leads to environmental pollution but also poses a significant threat to public health. The improper disposal of medical waste, in particular, can lead to the spread of infectious diseases and contamination of water sources.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued an order regarding the illegal dumping of plastic and hospital waste in the village of Bajghera, located in the Gurugram district of Haryana. The NGT has directed the state government to take strict action against the culprits responsible for the violation of environmental laws and ensure the proper disposal of waste. Furthermore, they have also expressed disappointment with the progress made toward clearing the waste at the Bandhwari landfill site in Gurugram, Haryana. The NGT has reconstituted a committee to oversee the cleaning of the site. This site has been a dumping ground for the city's municipal and bio-medical waste for over a decade.
The NGT order came in response to a petition filed by a local resident who complained about the indiscriminate dumping of plastic and medical waste in the village. The petitioner alleged that the waste was being dumped on the roadside and in the nearby water bodies. Furthermore, it was leading to severe environmental pollution and health hazards for the residents.
Disappointing progress
The new committee will include officials from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB), the Gurugram Municipal Corporation, and other relevant stakeholders. The NGT has directed the committee to prepare a comprehensive action plan for clearing the waste at the site within two weeks.
"We are very disappointed with the progress made so far," said "We have reconstituted the committee and directed them to prepare a comprehensive action plan within two weeks."
NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel
The NGT's decision to reconstitute the committee comes after a review of the progress made by the earlier committee, which had been tasked with clearing the waste at the Bandhwari site. The NGT found the earlier committee's progress unsatisfactory and directed the new committee to expedite the process of clearing the waste.
The Bandhwari landfill
The Bandhwari landfill site has been a major cause of concern for environmentalists and local residents for several years. The site has been overflowing with waste for over a decade, leading to severe environmental pollution and health hazards for the residents of nearby villages.
According to the HSPCB, over 30,000 tonnes of waste are dumped at the site every month, far exceeding its capacity. The site is also located near the Aravalli hills, a fragile ecological zone, and has been a major cause of soil erosion and deforestation in the area.
The NGT took note of the seriousness of the matter. They have directed the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) to conduct an immediate inspection of the area. And, submit a report within a month. The NGT also directed the district administration to ensure the proper segregation, collection, transportation, and disposal of waste in accordance with the rules and regulations.
The authority further ordered the HSPCB to take action against the violators under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016. The NGT warned that non-compliance with the order would lead to strict action against the authorities concerned.
There have been repeated orders from the authorities to take action to clear the waste at the site and prevent further dumping. The NGT has also directed the authorities to explore alternative methods of waste management, such as composting and recycling, and to implement a system of waste segregation at the source to reduce the burden on landfills.
Reactions
Environmental activists and residents have welcomed the NGT's decision to reconstitute the committee and expedite the process of clearing the waste at the Bandhwari site.
"It is high time that the authorities take urgent action to clear the waste at the Bandhwari site and prevent further damage to the environment and public health... we hope that the new committee will take swift and effective action to address this critical issue."
Environmental activist, Ravi Agarwal
However, it remains to be seen how effective the new committee will be in addressing the complex challenges of waste management and environmental protection in the region.
Bajghera Village, Gurugram, Haryana
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued an order to take strict action against the illegal dumping of plastic and hospital waste in the village of Bajghera in the Gurugram district, Haryana. The NGT's order came in response to a petition filed by a local resident who complained about the indiscriminate dumping of waste in the area.
Experts have emphasized that plastic bags that are not compostable present a significant threat to the environment. Vaishali Rana Chandra, a resident who has been protesting against the use of plastic bags, stated that non-compostable plastic bags not only clog water bodies and drains but also emit hazardous gasses when burned, leading to air pollution. Moreover, plastic bags that are left at landfills produce harmful toxins, which result in soil and water pollution.
Why is Gurugram failing?
Despite showing great progress in its infrastructural and development projects and plans, Gurugram is coming out as a big failure in its waste management plans and is also posing a great threat to its additional air pollution issues.
It is worth noting that many states in India, such as Maharashtra, have imposed a strict ban on plastic bags. However, authorities in Gurugram have not yet imposed any fines on individuals violating the ban. This lack of action by the authorities indicates their intentions and priorities. This carefree and “let it go” attitude of Gurugramiees is now raising a lot of questions about their future health reports and management skills.
The NGT's order to take action against the illegal dumping of plastic and hospital waste in Gurugram is another attempt to divert the attention gained toward their behavior in addressing this critical issue. It is essential that the authorities take effective measures to ensure the proper disposal of waste. Furthermore, prevent any damage to the environment and send a strong message that such activities will not be tolerated.
Conclusion
If we sum up what has been shared till now, the NGT's order to take action against the illegal dumping of plastic and hospital waste in Gurugram is a welcome move. This is in the right direction in addressing the issue of waste management in India. Furthermore, taking effective measures to ensure the proper disposal of waste and prevent further damage to the environment and public health. However, it remains to be seen how effective the new committee will be in addressing the complex challenges of waste management and environmental protection.
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