Tribunal tells Noida to shift dump site to designated area

Asks authority to follow solid waste management rules

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Tuesday directed the New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (Noida) to stop dumping of solid municipal waste in Sector 138A and instead use the designated site in Sector 123.

The counsel, appearing for applicant Gaurav Choudhary, said that Noida was illegally dumping garbage in Sector 138A.

However, the counsel for Noida said the site was being used as a temporary measure as necessary approvals for the new site had not yet been received.

It was alleged that dumping of solid waste was in violation of the Solid Waste Management rules, however, Noida argued that all necessary steps with regards to dumping of solid waste had been taken.

‘Clear all waste’

A Bench headed by NGT chairperson Swatanter Kumar directed Noida to clear all waste from Sector 138 A and use Sector 123 as the temporary dumping site. It further ordered it to strictly observe the Solid Waste Management Rules.

The NGT directed the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to ensure that the orders were properly implemented.

The Bench also asked Noida why waste-to-energy plants had not been constructed yet, despite a lapse of four years. It asked the UP government to “start construction of the plants expeditiously, not later than six months from today”.

Responding to concerns over residential colonies, the NGT said: “Why don’t you [Noida] ensure that all societies segregate their waste? Issue directions to all societies that municipal solid waste must be segregated before it is lifted.”