NGT directs Gurugram DC to file affidavit on Bandhwari landfill management

New Delhi, Jul 10 (PTI) The National Green Tribunal has directed the deputy commissioner of Gurugram to file an affidavit on multiple issues concerning the Bandhwari landfill site, including the steps taken for source segregation of waste and measures to prevent leachate flow. The green body is hearing the matter of clearing the legacy waste from the landfill site. In an order dated July 7, a bench of NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Afroz Ahmad noted that in pursuance of its earlier order, Gurugram's deputy commissioner had submitted a report on the status of legacy waste cleared between January 2023 and June 30, 2026. According to the report, 38.40 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of legacy waste had been processed while 18.07 lakh MT was the balance waste not yet processed, the tribunal noted. It said according to the submissions of Gurugram municipal corporation's counsel, there was an addition of 1,500 MT of fresh waste every day at the site and the advocate sought four weeks to submit details, including the timeline to clear the legacy waste. It directed the civic body to disclose the timeline for stopping the fresh dumping of the waste at the site and the manner in which the entire legacy waste, including the fresh dumping, will be cleared. The tribunal said that considering the forthcoming monsoon, the corporation will take adequate steps to ensure that no leachate flows outside the landfill site. It said, "The affidavit will disclose the steps which have been taken for segregation of the waste, especially the source segregation and the status of the boundary wall and the precautionary measures which have been taken to prevent the flow of leachate in the nearby road, water body and the forest area." The tribunal underlined that the district magistrate has been entrusted with the responsibility to ensure the implementation of the civic body's rules. It said, "Hence, we require the deputy commissioner, Gurugram, to file an affidavit within four weeks in respect of the compliance concerning Bandhwari landfill site and the issues which are mentioned in this order." The matter has been posted for September 19. The Bhandwari landfill has witnessed several major blazes in the past. According to officials, the landfill continues to face concerns over scientific waste processing and remediation. PTI MNR MNR KSS KSS KSS