The National Green Tribunal today directed the Delhi government and civic bodies here to inform it about the total quantity of municipal solid waste generated in the national capital daily.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar expressed concern over functioning of waste-to-energy plants in the city and said the authorities should be first clear about the data before proceeding in the case.
“Tell us what is the total quantity of municipal solid waste generated by Delhi? The population has increased over these years but you are still submitting old data. Tell us tomorrow,” the bench said.
It also asked the waste-to-energy plants to plant a green cover around the sites so that the harmful air emanating from it gets trapped and does not enter residential areas.
Delhi Pollution Control Committee told the bench that Okhla plant was operating within stipulated norms and fly ash generated in it is used in manufacturing of bricks.
Concerned over delay in the operationalising the waste- to-energy plants in capital, the tribunal had earlier constituted a “high-powered team” to inspect the plants at Okhla, Ghazipur and Bawana.
The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by Sukhdev Vihar Residents Welfare Association praying for closure of waste-to- energy plant alleging that it uses illegal mass burning technology, causing air pollution.
In its application, the association had also told NGT that as per observations of National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, mass burning technology should be stopped immediately.
( Source – PTI )
