NGT Pulls Up Jharkhand Over Waste Management Gaps

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has raised alarms over Jharkhand's insufficient efforts in managing solid and liquid waste. In a recent hearing, the tribunal highlighted glaring gaps in compliance with existing waste management regulations.

According to NGT's principal bench, Jharkhand generates 2,483 tonnes of solid waste daily, with only 2,307 tonnes collected. A significant portion remains unprocessed, contributing to the state's legacy waste issue. Additionally, the bench noted that sewage management remains a major concern, with a notable deficit in sewage treatment capacities.

The NGT has demanded comprehensive action plans from urban local bodies. The tribunal's dissatisfaction was evident when observing the lack of progress since their 2019 directive for establishing model villages in waste management. The Comptroller and Auditor General's report last year further criticized the financial and planning mechanisms related to this critical issue.