NGT (National Green Tribunal) has imposed a fine of Rs 1026 crore on the Punjab government. This fine has been imposed for not taking concrete steps on the management of old waste and sewerage discharge. NGT has asked the state government to submit the fine and report within a month. The next hearing of the case will be on September 27.
Presently 53 lakh tonnes of garbage is lying in Punjab
NGT said in its order that currently 53.87 lakh tonnes of old waste is lying in Punjab. Two years ago this waste was 66.66 lakh tonnes. This means that in 2 years the state government has been able to dispose of only 10 lakh tonnes of waste. If work continues at this speed, it will take 10 years to dispose of it.
Government is not following orders
NGT in its new orders said that the Chief Secretary has also failed to comply with the orders for the year 2022 regarding the creation of a ring-fenced account of Rs 2080 crore. Violation and disobedience is an offense under Section 26 of the NGT Act 2010.
Fine was imposed in the year 2022 also
The NGT had imposed a total fine of Rs 2180 crore on the Punjab government for improper treatment of sewerage and failure to stop solid waste discharge. On which Punjab Government has deposited Rs 100 crore.