Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 4: The High Court today called for making arrangements about local segregation and treatment of the solid waste and implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules and directed the Government to inform the court about the tenders for implementation of these rules in the entire State.
The Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Ramalingam Sudhakar and Justice MK Hanjura, in the first instance sought a report from the Government as to how many tenders have been implemented, how many are pending implementation and how many are in pipeline in Jammu, Srinagar and Ladakh.
Hearing PIL filed by NGO, Court said before passing further directions, it is directed to report the Court with regard to tenders issued, for implementation of SWM in three divisions of the State and how many are pending and how many are in pipeline.
Court has sought a specific affidavit from concerned departments on this aspect and in so far other reliefs as prayed in the PIL court directed the Municipal Commissioners of both the divisions that in concentration with Department of Agriculture, Horticulture, Public Health Engineering & Tourism to give details of SWM taken to address the issue of solid waste generated in Agriculture and Horticulture faculties in the State.
Court in so far as ban on procurement, sale and distribution of all kinds of plastic, polythene and other non-biodegradable materials, directed the Commissioner Secretary tourism to file a specific report for effectively implementing the rules.
Court further added that if there is ban on use of plastic and other polythene items the concerned officials shall effectively implement that about the use of these items and seek strictly implementation of these directions and warned if there is any deviation on part of officials they will suffer consequences with costs.
Court while endorsing the prayers mentioned in PIL said the it seeks direction on authorities to call forthwith and make arrangements local segregation and treatment of the solid waste.
It further sought that direction be issued on authorities to take steps for treatment of fruit and vegetable waste across the State as the same is being mixed with other non-biodegradable waste.
“Respondents to file response with regard to steps taken towards implementation Bio Medical waste Rules, Swachh Bharat Mission and SWM Rules”, prayed the petitioner.
Court also sought report with regard to generation of Solid Waste in tourist resorts of Doodh Pathri, Yusmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Kokernag, Verinag, Aharbal, Patnitop, Sanasar and Mansar and other similar authorities across the State for undertaking scientific solid waste SWM rules as also the waste generated in irrigation department in seasonal rains.
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