Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 21: High Court has warned of imposing a penalty on the Government in case status report is not filed with regard to implementation of Solid Waste Management (SWM) System in J&K and Ladakh UTs.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Puneet Gupta has expressed its displeasure over non filing of report by the concerned authorities despite granting several opportunities. The DB said Rs 50000 cost shall be imposed in case the report is not filed by or before the next date of hearing in the matter.
The bench further directed for filing of report stating therein as to what steps are taken with regard to ban on polythene bags and also to disclose what steps they (authorities) have taken with regard to organizing awareness amongst the citizens of the Union Territory for avoiding the use of polythene bags.
The information has been sought by the Division Bench in a PIL seeking slew of directions for treatment of Solid Waste. Authorities have to submit status report before the court indicating the number of tenders floated by them for implementation of the SWM system in the provinces of Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh at all levels.
Authorities in terms of court directions have to give details of implementation of SWM in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Horticulture, Public Health Engineering Department and Tourism Department and set out the steps taken to address the issue of solid waste generated in Agri and Horticulture facilities in J&K and Ladakh including solid waste in all tourist resorts and solid waste accumulated in the Irrigation and Flood Control Department in course of seasonal rains, flow of water etc.
These departments have to file responses with regard to implementation of SWM Waste Rules 2016. Commissioner Secretaries of each department are under direction to implement the provisions of SWM Rules within timeframe and any lethargy or inaction will be viewed as dereliction of their duty.
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