NEW DELHI, Aug 11:
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) today directed the CEO of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to furnish a report giving details of the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) installed there.
A bench headed by NGT chairperson Swatanter Kumar asked the board to inform it about about the “remedial steps” and measures taken to tackle the problem of MSW after a plea complained that a large amount of untreated solid and liquid waste generated by pilgrims as well as horses, mules and ponies was disposed directly into Banganga river.
“What is the status of MSW? Give us the complete details firstly on the remedial steps that you have taken and secondly the steps which you have taken to tackle the issue of MSW. How will you dump it and where will be the site for this? Give us details of all these facts,” the bench said.
The counsel appearing for the board told the green panel that a road, which would be used as a walking track to Bhawan, was under construction and it would be operational by end of November this year.
He said that the road would be used for pedestrians and no horses or ponies would be allowed on it.
The bench has now fixed the matter for further hearing on September 28.
The tribunal was hearing a plea seeking directions to stop the use of horses and ponies in Vaishno Devi shrine premises in Jammu.
Meanwhile, National Green Tribunal (NGT) has prohibited J&K Government from throwing any municipal solid waste in the vicinity of Anchar lake in Srinagar.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar pulled up the authorities concerned, saying no steps have been taken by them in terms of the tribunal’s order passed on July 20 regarding disposal of solid and other wastes in Srinagar.
“What is the government doing? You (authorities) are doing nothing,” the tribunal said, adding, “Government has to ensure that there is public welfare.”
“We direct and prohibit municipal corporation and state government from throwing any Municipal Solid Waste or other waste at the site in question at Anchar lake, Srinagar,” the bench said and posted the matter for further hearing on August 22.
The green panel also issued bailable warrants against the Secretary concerned of the state and Municipal Commissioner of Srinagar for their failure to appear before it.
On July 20, the tribunal had directed these two officers to remain present before it today in the event of failure of the state to conclude the issue of waste to energy plant. (PTI)
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