Rajasthan directed by NGT to pay 3,000 crores for failure to comply with solid waste and sewage management
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of In re: Compliance of Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 and other environmental issues dated 15/09/2022.
The state of Rajasthan was directed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). September 15, 2022 to pay compensation of Rs. 3,000 crores for the gaps in treatment of liquid waste/sewage and un-remediated legacy waste. The amount has to be deposited by the state in a separate ring-fenced account within two months, to be operated as per directions of the Chief Secretary and utilised for restoration measures.
The restoration measures with respect to sewage management would include setting up of sewage treatment and utilization systems; upgrading systems/operations of existing sewage treatment facilities to ensure utilization of their full capacities; ensuring compliance of standards, including those of fecal coliform and setting up of proper fecal sewage and sludge management in rural areas.
With regard to solid waste management, the execution plan would include setting up of required waste processing plants and remediation of left out 161 sites. Bio-remediation/bio-mining process need to be executed as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines and the stabilized organic waste from biomining as well as compost plants need to comply with laid down specifications. Other material recovered during such processes are to be put to use through authorized dealers/handlers/users.
Both the above restoration plans need to be executed at the earliest simultaneously in all districts, cities, towns and villages in a time bound manner without further delay. If violations continue, liability to pay additional compensation may have to be considered, the court warned.
Compliance has to be the responsibility of the Chief Secretary for which a Special Senior Level Nodal Secretary with a team of technical experts must be deputed immediately, the NGT order said.