Order of the National Green Tribunal in the application filed by Air Marshal Anil Chopra on environmental and waste management issues in the Armed Forces, cantonments and military stations.

The Ministry of Defence in its report of May 24, 2021 informed the court that in compliance of the NGT order, November 10, 2020 an Apex Monitoring Committee under Department of Defence was constituted to undertake the monitoring mechanism in respect of Cantonment Boards, Coast Guard and Armed Forces Medical Services. The Apex Monitoring Committee was established to facilitate policy development by plugging the gaps in existing mechanisms for increased sustainability and ecological well being.

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The committee would examine the reports of monitoring committee at field levels in respective organisations and render advice and issue guidelines for optimal utilisation of resources aimed towards environmental protection, waste management and green initiatives.

A Biomedical Waste Management Committee has been formulated at all health care centres to oversee and monitor implementation of BMW rules and regulations.

The NGT in its order, May 24, 2021 said that further steps were required by the authorities for protection of environment at all levels, including proper management of biomedical, domestic, solid, electrical, electronic wastes as per rules.

"Scientific management of other waste generated in the course of operations of the armed forces like artillery and other ammunition has also to be ensured in the interest of public health, sanitation and environment,' the NGT order said.