Srinagar: The J&K High Court on Wednesday directed the government to stop dumping solid waste on land not earmarked for it.
The court while taking note of the submission of the counsel representing Environment Policy Group stated that under the policy regarding J&K State Integrated Solid Waste Management Strategy, 2017 formulated under Rule 11(1) of the J&K Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, 90 Kanals of land at Lethpora in Pulwama has been earmarked for the solid waste management project but despite enclosing the aforesaid 90 kanals of land, solid waste is being dumped on other lands also.
The court of Chief Justice Pankaj Mithal and Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul directed government authorities to file objections on the issue within one month after Additional Advocate General (AAG), B A Dar requested Court to seek instructions as to why the solid waste is being allowed to be dumped on the land other than one earmarked in District Pulwama.
“He may obtain instructions in this regard and file objections within one month from today,” the court directed.
Earlier the petitioners had pleaded before court to direct respondents to file a response with regard to the steps taken towards implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016, Bio Medical Waste Rules, Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban/Grameen) and Fruit vegetable waste processing schemes of the Union Agriculture Ministry.
The Plea had asked Court to impose a blanket ban on procurement, sale and distribution of all kinds of plastic, polythene, and other non-biodegradable packing/carrying material including import of all such food items packed and wrapped in Non-Bio-degradable material and also command the authorities of the State Government to enforce the guidelines prescribed under Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016 with reference to treatment of packing material by the companies, its manufacturing and marketing.

NUSRAT SIDIQ