Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of Sacred Heart Public School Chopra Education Society Vs Municipal Council & Others dated 14/01/2019 regarding illegal dumping and burning of garbage near a school by the Municipal Council, Kapurthala. The smoke generated by the fires is causing hazardous pollution, threatening the public health, including the health of the children.

During the hearing of the case, the Court finds that the Officer of the Municipal Council, Kapurthala are not fully conversant with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. In absence of such knowledge, the garbage dumps are just being covered by mud instead of being scientifically disposed, as required under Clause (J) of the Schedule-I to the Rules. Court considers it necessary to ascertain the status of educating the Municipal Councils about the requirements of the Rules.

The National Green Tribunal directs the Secretary, Municipal Local Bodies, Punjab to furnish a status report about training imparted to the Municipal Councils for compliance of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. Likewise the Secretary, Urban Development may also ascertain the status report of compliance of the Rules with respect to Kapurthala and also other Municipal Councils in the State of Punjab. It may also be indicated whether action plans have been prepared and implemented as per the Rules.