Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 15: The High Court today directed the Government to inform it about the local segregation and treatment of solid waste and its implementation for the entire State.
The Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Ramalingam Sudhakar and Justice Sanjeev Kumar after submission made by the Advocate General of the State that the Government has initiated a process for flouting tenders but due to poor response the said process could have been taken forward, directed for apprising the court for implementation of solid waste management Rules in the State.
AG submitted before the bench that Housing Department has taken steps for implementation of SWM Rules but due to poor response the process initiated by the H&UDD has not been carried forward. He further added that the department has taken fresh process in this regard.
Court has recorded the statement of AG and deferred the hearing of PIL in order to enable the authorities to show the Court the result oriented progress on implementation of SWM rules in twin cities of the State.
Court during the proceedings of the case observed to AG that approach the Municipal Committees of various cities in order to know how these committees treat the solid waste. Court also observed that project is important than cost. Court said cost is secondary but first preference must be given to treatment of solid waste.
When asked to the counsel appearing for SMC, Court has been informed that the SMC is working under the administrative control of Housing Department. Court has asked for arrangements about local segregation and treatment of the solid waste and implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules and had sought information about the tenders for implementation of these rules in the entire State.
Court has already passed direction to Government that as to how many tenders have been implemented, how many are pending implementation and how many are in pipeline in Jammu, Srinagar and Ladakh.
Court directed the Municipal Commissioners of both the divisions that in consultation 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 while endorsing the prayers mentioned in PIL said the it seeks direction on authorities to call forthwith and make arrangements for 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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