Pune: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) expressed its displeasure over 64 out of 257 local bodies not complying with directions to establish temporary storage, deposit and collection centres for plastic waste.
The west zone bench of NGT, comprising of Justice Umesh Salvi and Dr Nagin Nanda, also asked why an environmental fine of Rs 1 lakh should not be imposed on heads of local bodies. It is mandatory for all municipal councils and corporations to establish temporary storage, deposit and collection centres for plastic waste, according to the Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2016.
During a hearing on November 28, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) had told the court that 64 municipal councils and corporations are yet to establish even temporary arrangements for storage and collection of plastic waste.
Advocate Asim Sarode, representing the petitioner in the Environmental Interest Litigation (EIL), said that the applicant filed the case and has been witnessing complete mis-management of plastic waste and use of plastic carry bags below 50 microns in Maharashtra.
"It is shocking that only 25 municipal corporations and 123 municipal councils have made provisions for segregation of plastic waste and only 25 municipal corporations and 29 municipal councils have made provisions for storage of plastic waste generated from city area in accordance with Plastic Waste (Management and Handling) Rules 2016," said Sarode.
Surprising Revelations
- Environmental Interest Litigation (EIL) applicant Ravindra Shinde of Sangli made a survey and found that plastic carry bags below 50 microns are being used in almost all municipal areas in Maharashtra.
- Right To Information (RTI) for the same revealed that various municipal authorities and MPCB offices have not registered any offences and no case has been filed in any court.
