NGT Orders Spur Action in Rajouri; DM Forms Waste Management Panel

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SHYAM SOOD

***DM Abhishek Sharma directs panel to submit report by April 23

***Focus on illegal dumping, burning, and gaps in the waste handling systeM

RAJOURI, APRIL 23:-District Magistrate (DM)Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma (IAS), has constituted a joint committee to address issues related to solid waste management and rising environmental pollution in the district. The move comes in compliance with directives issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

The order was issued in response to a petition highlighting the adverse environmental and public health impacts caused by unscientific waste disposal, open burning of garbage, and irregular sanitation practices across various parts of Rajouri town.

Areas Flagged in Petition

The petition specifically pointed out locations such as Bela Bus Stand, Tariq Bridge, Government Medical College Rajouri, Jawahar Nagar, and other areas where garbage accumulation, irregular lifting, and open dumping were reported. These practices have led to increased pollution and potential health hazards for residents.

Composition of the Committee

The joint committee constituted by the district administration includes:

Divisional Officer, Pollution Control Committee Rajouri

Assistant Commissioner (Revenue), Rajouri

Block Development Officer, Rajouri

Executive Officer, Municipal Council Rajouri

Mandate of the Committee

The committee has been assigned several key responsibilities, including:

Conducting on-site inspections of identified locations to assess the ground reality of waste management

Examining the existing system of waste collection, segregation, transportation, processing, and disposal

Verifying incidents of open dumping and burning of waste

Evaluating compliance with Solid Waste Management Rules

Reviewing adherence to environmental norms by the Municipal Council and the district administration

Identifying deficiencies and violations, and assessing their environmental and health impacts

Recommending both immediate and long-term corrective measures to prevent recurrence

The order also directs the committee to provide an opportunity for hearing to the petitioner and other concerned stakeholders to ensure a fair and transparent report.

The committee has been instructed to visit the identified sites and submit a comprehensive report, which will be presented before the National Green Tribunal as a compliance report.

Administration’s Stand

The District Magistrate has made it clear that negligence in matters related to environmental protection and public health will not be tolerated. The initiative reflects the administration’s firm commitment to improving waste management systems and ensuring a cleaner, pollution-free Rajouri.

Meanwhile, the committee hasb already begun field inspections at several locations and is in the process of compiling its report.