Bandipora, Oct 05: The Municipal Committee (MC) Bandipora, despite facing a substantial penalty from the Pollution Control Board (PCB), remains embroiled in controversy for its failure to adhere to Solid Waste Management norms.
As per the details available with Rising Kashmir; in April 2021, the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Board (PCB) imposed a hefty fine of Rs 64 lakh on the Municipal Council Bandipora for violating Solid Waste Management Rules.
The violation centred on the improper disposal of solid waste along the banks of Wular Lake. The PCB officials substantiated these claims with photographic evidence, prompting a series of communications with local authorities, including the Deputy Commissioner, Director of the Urban Local Body, and the Executive Officer of MC Bandipora.
Despite these interventions, the situation on the ground showed no signs of improvement. Due to the persistent failure of the Executive Officer of MC Bandipora to scientifically manage solid waste, a show-cause notice was issued. This notice, in accordance with the directives of the National Green Tribunal, required the Executive Officer to provide reasons within 15 days to avoid levying environmental compensation for blatant violations of environmental laws.
Subsequently, MC Bandipora appealed the fine at the National Green Tribunal (NGT), seeking an exemption. However, the NGT dismissed the appeal and directed the civic body to pay the compensation. The matter eventually reached the Supreme Court of India, where the apex court, in a double bench decision by Justices Ajay Rastogi and CT Ravi Kumar, upheld the NGT’s order.
In its scathing remarks, the Supreme Court chastised both the Jammu and Kashmir Government and the Municipal Council Bandipora, asserting that the state cannot play with people’s lives.
“Is this how you handle matters? Is this the conscience of your state? You cannot endanger people’s lives. Pay the fine,” the Supreme Court bench declared while dismissing the civic body’s plea.
The counsel representing MC Bandipora argued that the penalty was imposed despite the existence of a new dumping ground and that the municipal council had taken corrective measures for the scientific management of solid waste. However, these arguments failed to sway the Supreme Court’s decision.
Meanwhile, local residents alleged that the municipality of Bandipora continues to dispose of solid waste in the water body on a daily basis.
Imtiyaz Ahmad, a resident of Zalwan Nusoo village along the Wular Lake shore recalled a time when the lake’s waters were crystal clear and suitable for various purposes. Today the lake has become highly contaminated, rendering it unsuitable even for basic activities like washing clothes or providing water to animals, he lamented.
Since MC Bandipora was told to dispose of waste properly, they are throwing it openly, which is creating many problems for us, another concerned local told Rising Kashmir.
“The foul smell emanating from this unmanaged waste has become unbearable. We’re left with no choice but to burn it, but even that emits toxic smoke, posing health risks,” he added.
Municipal Committee Bandipora Chairman Basharat Hussain Najar could not be reached for comments despite repeated attempts.
