KD NEWS SERVICE
POONCH, Sep 14: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on the Deputy Commissioner (DC)/District Magistrate of Poonch for failure to comply with a previous order concerning environmental compensation. The fine comes after the DC failed to submit a fresh report on the realization of environmental compensation imposed by the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC), despite directives issued on May 24, 2024.
In its latest order, the Principal Bench of the NGT expressed its dissatisfaction with the DC Poonch’s inaction, stating: “No fresh report has been filed by the District Magistrate Poonch till now. Hence, we impose a cost of Rs 10,000 upon Deputy Commissioner/District Magistrate Poonch for not complying with the order and for not filing the report.”
Background of the Case
The issue revolves around environmental violations committed by the Municipal Council Poonch, primarily related to improper solid waste management practices. On May 24, 2024, the NGT noted that the Deputy Commissioner had not adequately explained the lack of action regarding the realization of environmental compensation imposed by the JKPCC for these violations.
The NGT had, at that time, directed the DC to submit a detailed report clarifying the steps taken to ensure that the penalty imposed by the JKPCC was collected. However, with no report forthcoming, the tribunal has now imposed the Rs 10,000 fine.
Fresh Directives by the NGT
In the latest order, the NGT has directed the DC Poonch to submit the required report within four weeks. The tribunal has also instructed the DC to provide the current status of the allotment of land for solid waste management in the district by the Municipal Council Poonch.
“The fresh report must be filed in accordance with the order dated May 24, 2024,” the NGT stated. It further emphasized the importance of the Deputy Commissioner’s role in ensuring compliance with environmental regulations in Poonch, especially in terms of solid waste management.
Concerns Over Legacy Waste in Poonch
The NGT’s latest order also highlighted serious concerns regarding the management of legacy waste in the district. A report submitted by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Municipal Council Poonch revealed that 50,000 metric tons of legacy waste had been dumped at Ward No. 11 in Poonch.
The NGT noted that no timeline had been provided for clearing the waste, and daily waste accumulation continues to add to the problem. According to the report, while 11 tons of waste are generated in Poonch every day, only 8 tons are processed, leaving 3 tons of unprocessed waste to be added to the already significant legacy waste.
The tribunal also stressed that the JKPCC had imposed environmental compensation for violations up until January 31, 2024. For subsequent violations, the NGT has directed the JKPCC to take further action and impose additional penalties on the Municipal Council Poonch.
Call for Fresh Reports
The NGT has now directed the JKPCC, the Municipal Council Poonch, and the Deputy Commissioner Poonch to submit fresh reports on the status of solid waste management and the imposition of environmental compensation within six weeks. The tribunal’s order aims to expedite the process of rectifying the waste management issues in Poonch and ensuring accountability for environmental violations.
This case highlights the growing environmental concerns in the region and the need for effective governance in addressing waste management challenges. The NGT’s intervention is expected to put pressure on local authorities to act swiftly and comply with environmental regulations.
