Report by the Ministry of Defence in Original Application No. 451 of 2019 in the matter of Air Marshal Anil Chopra.

The matter relates to environmental issues, waste management in the armed forces, as well as Siachen glacier ecological issues and cantonment and military stations. The report is in compliance to the NGT order of February 11, 2020.

The report mentions that in high altitude areas of north and east, Indian Army has undertaken a large number of initiatives to manage the waste generated at various altitudes. In Leh and Ladakh, segregation of waste was done into three different categories. As trial measures, bio-digesters for disposal of human excreta have been installed in selected posts in Siachen Glacier and transit camp at Leh, Patseo, Karu, Sarchoo, Pang and Partapur.

Retrieval of maximum non biodegradable waste and back load through animal porters, civil ponies and troops being de inducted. The use of extra strong jute packaging material instead of plastic and provision of tetra and refill packs for rations have reduced and restricted accumulation of plastic. The replacement of metallic barrels and jericans with reinforced HDPE barrels/jericans has helped in retrieval of waste, since these packing materials are lighter in weight.

The report stated that Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior has developed an innovative technology for disposal of human waste in an eco friendly manner at locations where temperature drops -40 degree celsius or lower. Presently 60 such units are operational at various locations, More such bio digesters with better efficiency are being issued to all posts in high altitude areas (HAA).

Note: The report of September 10, 2020 was uploaded to the NGT site on November 9, 2020