Sangam Vihar garbage woes: NGT issues notice to Delhi govt, DDA

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has requested responses from various authorities, including the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the city government, concerning the mismanagement of solid and liquid waste in Sangam Vihar.

The tribunal was reviewing a case about inadequate sewage and solid waste management in the area, which has reportedly led to health risks for residents.

In a recent ruling, NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava noted that, following a previous order, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) submitted a report indicating that the locality produces approximately 40 metric tonnes of municipal solid waste daily. The report highlighted a lack of dhalaos, fixed compactor transfer station (FCTS) machines, and secondary collection points due to limited space.

The bench, which also included judicial member Justice Sudhir Agarwal and expert member Afroz Ahmad, observed that, as per the report, garbage is collected by private rag pickers or garbage collectors using cycle rickshaws because of the narrow lanes.

The bench commented, “This supports the claim that garbage is scattered across Sangam Vihar’s wards since residents lack a designated place to dispose of their waste.”

It was also noted that the MCD’s counsel had requested land from the DDA for installing FCTS machines in the relevant wards, but there had been no response.

The tribunal noted a report from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), based on an inspection on August 8, which indicated sewer overflow in some areas, damaged streets, and overflowing drains clogged with solid waste.

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Regarding sewage management issues, the MCD contended that the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) is responsible, according to the tribunal.

Additionally, submissions from the South Delhi district magistrate’s (DM) counsel clarified that both the MCD and the DJB are responsible for managing solid and liquid waste.

The tribunal has now added several authorities, including the DDA vice-chairman, the Southeast Delhi DM, and the chief engineer of the city government’s irrigation and flood control department, as respondents.

“Notice is to be issued to these newly added respondents to file a response by affidavit before the tribunal,” said the green panel.

The case is scheduled for further proceedings on December 11. (With inputs from PTI)