Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding compliance of municipal solid waste management rules, 2016 and other environmental issues in Ladakh, 06/04/2023
Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of 'Compliance of Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 and other environmental issues' dated 06/04/2023.
The NGT directed setting up of a centralized single window mechanism for planning, capacity building and monitoring of waste management in Ladakh. It would be headed by an officer of the rank of Additional Chief Secretary with representation for concerned departments - Urban Development, Rural Development, Environment and Forest, Agriculture, Water Resources, Fisheries and Industries.
The tribunal expressed hope that through innovative approach and stringent monitoring, gaps in solid and liquid waste generation and treatment at bridged at the earliest. It was brought to the attention of the court that even where STPs of adequate capacity have been set up, the capacity was not fully utilized and standards of water quality not always met. The court wanted matter to be looked into on continuous basis by a centralised mechanism which should be set up within a month.
The court also said that reclaimed land at Leh to the extent of 7 acres out of total area of 20.26 acres where waste of 10,544 tonnes has been remediated, can be put to use. Further, plans must be executed expeditiously for dump site having legacy waste at Kargil as well as remediating remaining waste of 48,370 tonnes at Leh, said the NGT order, April 6, 2023.