+
NGT Criticises Punjab for Inadequate Waste Management Efforts
WATER & WASTE

NGT Criticises Punjab for Inadequate Waste Management Efforts

Over two years after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a Rs 20 billion fine on Punjab for inadequate waste management, the state has reported an expenditure of Rs 7.2 billion towards addressing the issue. Despite this investment, significant gaps persist in both solid and liquid waste treatment across the state.

In its March 26 orders, the NGT emphasised the necessity for Punjab to comply with the Environment Protection Rules and the Supreme Court's directives on environmental safeguards. The tribunal's assessment revealed that approximately 4.775 million metric tonnes (LMT) of legacy waste remain unprocessed. Notably, the municipal corporations of Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar collectively account for 40.23 LMT of this backlog.

Furthermore, the NGT highlighted a shortfall of 765 tonnes per day (TPD) in wet waste processing and a 383 TPD gap in dry waste management. Regarding liquid waste, Punjab generates an estimated 2,219.19 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage, yet the existing treatment capacity stands at 1,983.99 MLD across 150 sewage treatment plants, indicating a treatment deficit of 235.2 MLD.

The tribunal has directed the Punjab Chief Secretary to submit a comprehensive action-taken report addressing these deficiencies. This report is to be filed via affidavit through e-filing at least one week before the next scheduled hearing.

Over two years after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a Rs 20 billion fine on Punjab for inadequate waste management, the state has reported an expenditure of Rs 7.2 billion towards addressing the issue. Despite this investment, significant gaps persist in both solid and liquid waste treatment across the state. In its March 26 orders, the NGT emphasised the necessity for Punjab to comply with the Environment Protection Rules and the Supreme Court's directives on environmental safeguards. The tribunal's assessment revealed that approximately 4.775 million metric tonnes (LMT) of legacy waste remain unprocessed. Notably, the municipal corporations of Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar collectively account for 40.23 LMT of this backlog. Furthermore, the NGT highlighted a shortfall of 765 tonnes per day (TPD) in wet waste processing and a 383 TPD gap in dry waste management. Regarding liquid waste, Punjab generates an estimated 2,219.19 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage, yet the existing treatment capacity stands at 1,983.99 MLD across 150 sewage treatment plants, indicating a treatment deficit of 235.2 MLD. The tribunal has directed the Punjab Chief Secretary to submit a comprehensive action-taken report addressing these deficiencies. This report is to be filed via affidavit through e-filing at least one week before the next scheduled hearing.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Cabinet Clears Rs 15.07 Bn Greenfield Airport Project in Kota-Bundi

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) proposal for the development of a Greenfield Airport at Kota-Bundi, Rajasthan, at an estimated cost of Rs 15.07 billion.Kota, located on the banks of the Chambal River, is widely recognised as the industrial capital of Rajasthan and a prominent educational coaching hub. To support the region’s growing needs, the Government of Rajasthan has handed over 440.06 hectares of land to AAI for the project.The new Greenfield Airport will be designed to handle oper..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Govt may extend MSME NPA classification period to 180 days

The Union government is considering a proposal to extend the non-performing asset (NPA) classification period for loans to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the existing 90 days to 180 days, according to a senior government official who requested anonymity.“The proposal to extend the loan default period for MSMEs from 90 days to 180 days is likely to be taken up by the Cabinet soon,” the official said.The move is expected to provide relief to cash-strapped MSMEs, especially against the backdrop of steep US tariffs, giving them more time to regularise their loan repayments.Ne..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

FedEx, IIT Madras Launch SMART Centre for Sustainable, AI-led Logistics

FedEx has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras to inaugurate the SMART Centre (Supply Chain Modelling, Algorithms, Research and Technology Centre) on the institute’s campus. The facility will drive innovation in sustainable and AI-driven logistics solutions. Backed by a five-year $5 million grant from FedEx, the SMART Centre aims to combine advanced research, digital technologies, and industry expertise to transform supply chains with a focus on agility, resilience, and environmental responsibility.The centre will also spearhead interdisciplinary projects in ar..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?