Vrindavan, 2016.12.22 (VT): The National Green Tribunal’s direction of not burning the garbage is being thrown to the winds as the Vrindavan Municipal Council has continued to dispose the garbage by burning.
Moreover, the garbage is being indiscriminately dumped in the trenches, situated just a few meters away from the Yamuna bed, on the Maant Road. Garbage generated in Vrindavan is not being taken to the designated site to dispose it scientifically. The site, which was declared in the affidavit submitted to the Green Court, is not being used for garbage disposal at all.
It should be noted that the NGT had put a fine of Rs. 5 lac on Mathura District Magistrate for failing to prevent dumping of solid waste along the river here. A fine of similar amount was also imposed on the Vrindavan Municipality, while the UP Pollution Board was fined with Rs. One lac and the UP State Government were fined with Rs. 50,000.
The NGT had ordered an immediate ban on use of plastic and polythene in Vrindavan. The district authorities have been told to stop burning garbage and make proper arrangements for solid waste disposal.
The fine was imposed on the government agencies on the report of a Court commissioner appointed by the Tribunal, who visited the garbage sites of Vrindavan and collected photographic evidence to nail the truth.
The Vrindavan Municipal Council has now filed a review petition in the Supreme Court of India, against the fines imposed on the Municipality.
Meanwhile, the NGT has sought reply from the UP Pollution Control Board on the compliance of its order. In its latest order on 2nd December the Court says, “Learned counsel appearing for the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board submits that he will take instructions and inform the Tribunal as to the compliance to the directions issued by the Tribunal. List this matter on 5th January, 2017.”
Talking to VT, the petitioner in this case Madhumangal Shukla said, “In fact the situation has worsened after the NGT order. The Municipality has become adamant not following the order of the NGT. Once can see the garbage is being burnt in the bins on the bins everywhere in the town. We have been collecting evidence against the non compliance of the NGT order. We shall submit it in the court during the next date of hearing.”
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