Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding waste dumped at Bhalswa, Ghazipur and Okhla dumpsites in Delhi, 29/01/2021
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of In re: News item published in "The Times of India" Authored by Jasjeev Gandhiok & Paras Singh Titled "Below mountains of trash lie poison lakes" dated 29/01/2021.
The issue for consideration is the disposal of ‘legacy’ waste dumped at Bhalswa, Ghazipur and Okhla dumpsites in Delhi where huge garbage has accumulated over the period of time, adversely impacting public health and the environment, requiring emergent, scientific and environmentally safe disposal, as per applicable rules.
An inspection report of the dump sites was filed by the Joint Committee comprising the CPCB, NEERI and IIT Delhi before the NGT. About 6% off waste has been bio-remediated at the three dump sites at Bhalswa, Ghazipur and Okhla. And fresh waste was being dumped at all the three dumpsites.
The report informed the Tribunal that no concrete measures for leachate collection and treatment were being taken at the three dumpsites. Leachate was partially being recirculated for stabilization of waste and the remaining was being discharged into nearby surface water drains.
Cost of damage to environment has been calculated based on the Environmental Compensation to be levied for violation of Solid Waste Management Rules and has been assessed as Rs.155.9 Crore (for Bhalswa), Rs. 142.5 Crore (for Ghazipur) and Rs. 151.1 Crore (for Okhla).
The NGT, January 29, 2021 directed the NCT Delhi and the Municipal Corporations concerned to coordinate and execute the work of remediating the legacy waste dump sites for enforcing the rule of law and protection of environment and public health, expeditiously in terms of earlier orders of the Tribunal. Due care must be taken for preventing fire accidents on the landfill sites and maintaining stability of the dumps, the order said.