NGT gives Rs 50 compensation to Mizoram for waste mismanagement | Popgen Tech

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has levied Environmental Compensation of Rs 50 crore on the state of Mizoram for allegedly failing to manage solid and liquid wastes causing environmental damage.

The Bench of Justice, Adarsh ​​Kumar Goel, while passing an order on December 8, 2022, said, “We hope that in the light of interaction with the Chief Secretary, the State of Mizoram will take more measures in the matter by an innovative approach and strict monitoring. , ensure that the gaps in the generation and treatment of solid and liquid waste are filled earlier, reduce the proposed time frame, adopt alternative/temporary measures to the extent and wherever solid is found.”

The restoration plans must be executed at the earliest simultaneously in all districts/towns/towns/villages in a time-bound manner without further delay. Compliance is ensured by the Chief Secretary.

Court also said that considering the statement the difference in sewage generation and treatment is 23.94 MLD and there is a gap in solid waste management, 60,000 MT of legacy waste. The estimated environmental compensation comes to around Rs 50 crore.

It was also confirmed during the interaction with the Chief Secretary that the amount of Rs 50 crore readily available with the State may be restricted to be used only for sewage and solid waste management, noted the Court.

The court also said that the Secretary, Ministry of Defence, GoI in coordination with DG, MES, DG, Defense Estates and other concerned authorities could ensure that necessary measures are taken for waste management by proper monitoring in the interest of environment and health public . They may also coordinate with the concerned ULBs. Accordingly, the State may interact with defense organizations to share work experience.

We have suggested a change in approach by realizing that remedial action cannot wait for an indefinite period, nor can loose deadlines without accountability be a solution. The State’s responsibility is to have a comprehensive plan that is limited in time and resources to control pollution which is its absolute responsibility. If there is a deficit in budgetary allocation, it is up to the State alone to have appropriate planning to reduce costs or increase resources.

The issue of solid and liquid waste management is controlled by the Court according to the order of the Supreme Court dated 02.09.2014 regarding solid waste management and the order dated 22.02.2017, regarding liquid waste management. Other related issues include pollution in 351 river stretches, 124 cities not meeting air quality standards, 100 polluted industrial clusters, illegal sand mining etc. which were also dealt with earlier but we propose to limit the proceedings in this matter. two problems of solid waste and sewage management, said the order.

The Court also noted that in view of continued non-compliance, vide order dated 16.01.2019, the Court directed the personal presence of the Chief Secretary in all the States and UTs for interaction to ensure compliance. The court stated that large-scale non-compliance with environmental norms caused death and disease and irreversible damage to the environment, without being responsible for these failures.

Although the violation of the Rules and orders of this Court is a criminal offense, there was still a rampant violation by the State authorities practically without responsibility, the unhappy situation had to be remedied by the participation of the highest State functionaries in the interest of public health and uphold the rule of law.

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