Reply on behalf of state of Punjab through District Magistrate Bathinda in OA 413 of 2021 Bikramjit Singh Shergill Vs State of Punjab. The report was in compliance of the National Green Tribunal order dated December 20, 2023.

The matter related to management of M/S JITF waste plant, Bhatinda. The grievance of the applicant was regarding a fire incident on June 6, 2021 at M/S JITF waste plant. The applicant had submitted that the fire erupted from the large quantity of inflammable material lying in the open space at the dumpsite which shows that M/s JITF is not processing the city waste as per  agreement.

Municipal Corporation, Bathinda has assured full commitment to comply with the provision of Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 and protection and conservation of environment. All efforts are being made for scientific management of solid legacy waste.

Further, the work for laying pipeline for utilisation of treated waste water at the dumpsite has already been completed to avoid any incidence of fire at the dumpsite. The Municipal Corporation, Bathinda have permanently placed one fire tender at the dumpsite to avoid any further instance of fire apart from construction of a storage tank as well as laying of pipeline from STP to dumpsite.

A green belt of approximately 15 meters width has already been developed around the dumpsite to avoid the smell being spread around the area.