A penalty of over Rs 2,000 crore has been handed down to the Punjab Government for not treating solid and liquid waste, resulting in a huge gap in waste generation and treatment. Health issues cannot be deferred for an indefinite period of time, according to a bench headed by NGT chairman Justice AK Goel.
It is the obligation of the state to have a comprehensive pollution control plan, which is its absolute responsibility, that is not understood. In the case of budgetary deficits, it is the state’s responsibility to create suitable plans by reducing costs or enhancing resources,” the Bench said.
According to the NGT, which monitors state and union territory compliance with Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and other environmental issues, waste management must be a priority.
In total, the NGT has awarded Rs 2,180 crore to the Punjab Government, of which Rs 100 crore has already been deposited with the tribunal for its failure to prevent untreated sewage and solid waste from being discharged. “The remaining Rs 2,080 crore may be deposited in a separate ring-fenced account within two months,” the NGT said.
A fine of Rs 100 crore had been imposed on UP previously for improper waste management. Last week, the NGT ordered the Rajasthan government to pay Rs 3,000 crore as environmental compensation