Srinagar- The High Court of J&K and Ladakh has warned the government of imposing Rs 50000 costs if it fails to file a status report within four weeks regarding the implementation of the provisions of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in J&K.
“Despite opportunities granted by this Court, the status report has not been filed till date. Last and final opportunity of four weeks is granted to the respondents for filling the status report, failing which, cost of Rs.50,000/- shall be imposed,” a division Bench of Chief Justice N. Kotiswarsingh and Justice Rajesh Sekhri said while hearing a Public Interest Litigation filed by an NGO Environmental Policy Group.
On the previous date of hearing on 22 Aprilthis year, the court had directed the government to file a status report “keeping in mind the directions passed by this Court in order dated 04.04.2018.”
The PIL filed by EPG is seeking implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules and had prayed the court to command the authorities to take a call forthwith and make arrangements for local segregation and treatment of the Solid Waste, to ensure that only 10% of such waste is taken to landfill sites and make effective planning in a way which would ensure conversion of possible waste into energy, organic compost and treatment of other solid waste under the Waste Management Rules. It also seeks direction to the authorities to treat and dispose of the Bio Medical waste generated across the State in all private, Government hospitals, nursing homes, clinics etc. in accordance with rules.
Besides, it seeks directions to the authorities to take steps for treatment of fruit and vegetable waste across the J&K as the same is being mixed with other non-biodegradable waste and finally dumped unscientifically at the landfill sites despite the fact that a proper mechanism is available for getting funding from Union Agriculture Ministry for Purchasing machines to process fruit/vegetable market waste which will be finally converted into organic compost.
Importantly also, the petitioner seeks directions to the authorities to file a response with regard to the steps taken towards implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016 and Bio Medical Waste Rules, Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban/Grameen) and Fruit vegetable waste processing schemes of the Union Agriculture Ministry.
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