Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Mar 25: In a move that could finally clear decades-old legacy waste from the Achan landfill, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought an undertaking from the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to complete the cleanup within two years.
The incumbent Commissioner has been directed to provide an undertaking ensuring the removal of 11.50 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste from the Achan landfill within the stipulated time frame.
The order follows a statement by SMC Commissioner Owais Ahmad, who informed the NGT that at least two years would be required to clear the site of such a massive waste accumulation.
Additionally, the NGT appears to be considering action against the eight Commissioners who served in SMC between 2017 and 2025.
As per details, the case Raja Muzaffar Bhat v/s Union of India & Others, concerning the unscientific dumping of municipal solid waste at Achan, was listed before a three-member bench comprising Justice Prakash Srivastava, Chairman, Justice Sudhir Aggarwal, Judicial Member, and Dr. Senthil Vel, Expert Member on March 20.
Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation Owais Ahmad, Regional Director J&K Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) Abhijeet Joshi, GM Kawoosa, Government counsel Rajkumar, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) counsel Itisha Awasthi, and petitioner Raja Muzaffar Bhat’s counsel were present during the hearing.
SMC Commissioner Owais Ahmad informed the NGT’s three-member bench that he would furnish an undertaking and take responsibility for ensuring the complete removal of legacy waste within two years through the bioremediation process.
In its affidavit, the SMC stated that the current waste generation stands at 1,600 tonnes per day and is projected to reach 1,918 tonnes per day by 2028.
The case is listed for hearing on July 18, 2025.
During the hearing Regional Director JKPCC Abhijeet Joshi informed that around Rs 12 crore penalty will be imposed on SMC as Environmental Compensation and civil action will also be initiated against 8 former Commissioners who were posted in SMC between 2017-2025
“Prayer is allowed. Let further progress report be filed by JKPCC within four weeks.”
In addition to it the SMC Commissioner told NGT in writing that the waste management action plan will be implemented in four phases between 2025 and 2027.
From January to June 2025, SMC will operationalize a leachate treatment plant, apply anti-odour chemicals, and plant 3,200 trees to create a green buffer.
SMC stated that the bio-mining of legacy waste will begin in April, with tenders for C&D waste processing under evaluation and from July to December 2025, waste processing capacity will expand, composting will increase from 50 TPD to 150 TPD, and MRF from 100 TPD to 250 TPD.
Also three new Garbage Transfer Stations will be set up, and a 125 TPD C&D waste facility will be constructed, with tenders initiated for RDF, CBG, and MRF plants.
By 2026, SMC stated, 5 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste will be processed, with a 300 TPD RDF plant and a 459 TPD CBG facility under construction and MRF expansion to 459 TPD will be completed.
From January to March 2027, full-scale scientific waste processing will eliminate landfill dependency, bio-mining at Achan will be completed, and an additional 10,000 trees will be planted. RDF, CBG, and MRF plants will be fully operational, SMC stated.
Also, it stated that regular monitoring, monthly reports, quarterly NGT reviews, a public dashboard, and environmental audits will ensure compliance with SWM regulations.
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