NGT directs setting up of municipal solid waste plants at identified railway stations

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Picture: Anil Shakya
Picture: Anil Shakya

The National Green Tribunal on Tuesday (Mar 26) directed setting up of municipal solid waste plants at the identified railway stations adhering solid waste management rules 2016.

The green panel directed executive director of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to furnish compiled action taken report by July 31. “Thereafter, the CPCB may audit the report so submitted and furnish the same to the tribunal,” the bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel directed.

The bench further directed administrative authorities to come up with mechanism to co-ordinate with the local bodies so as to assist them in the solid waste management.

“There have been instances where the local bodies have faced trouble in waste management, this would ensure they are not left feeling helpless,” the bench said.

Earlier, the bench was informed that proposed action plans have been filed.

To which the bench said that the action plan for identified major stations must be implemented within a period of 3 months from today.

The bench was also apprised that the budget has also been allocated and the major railway stations so identified have been allocated respective nodal officers for implementation of the proposed action plans.

To which the bench said: “We are also of the view that, with regard to the next phase, action plans be prepared for all the main stations as well. For the remaining major stations, the action plans may have categories for number of stations along with phases.”

The Tribunal was acting on a plea pertaining to cleanliness of railway tracks.

The matter will be heard again on Sep 3.

—India Legal Bureau

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