Guwahati: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has levied Environment compensation of Rs 200 crores for allegedly failing to manage the solid and liquid waste which harmed the ecosystem.
Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel’s bench issued an order that stated, “We levy compensation of Rs 200 crores on the State on the polluter pays principle for its failure in scientifically managing the liquid and solid waste in violation of the mandate of law, particularly judgments of the Supreme Court and this Tribunal,” taking into account the statement about a gap in sewage generation and treatment and a gap in solid waste management on November 24.
The bench further stated that in light of the aforementioned remarks the money can be maintained in a ring-fenced account that will only be used in accordance with the Chief Secretary’s instructions for waste management in the State.
The bench also recommended that Rs 200 crores be used to build solid waste processing facilities, clean up legacy garbage, and build sewage treatment plants (STPs) and FSSTPs to fill any gaps.
“We hope in the light of interaction with the Chief Secretary, the State of Nagaland will take further measures in the matter by an innovative approach and stringent monitoring, ensuring that gaps in solid and liquid waste generation and treatment are bridged at the earliest, shortening the proposed timelines, adopting alternative/ interim measures to the extent and wherever found viable,” the bench said.
The repair plans must be carried out in unison, in a timely manner, in all regions, cities, towns and villages. The Tribunal ordered that the Chief Secretary ensure compliance.
The Tribunal is keeping an eye on these matters regarding solid waste management as per the Supreme Court order dated September 2, 2014, with regard to solid waste management and the order dated February 22, 2017, of liquid waste management.
We propose to restrict the proceedings in the current matter to two issues of solid waste and sewage management, the order stated. Other related issues included pollution of 351 river stretches, 124 non-attainment cities in terms of air quality, 100 polluted industrial clusters, illegal sand mining, etc. which were also addressed previously.