Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of In re: Compliance of Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 and other environmental issues in respect of state of Chhattisgarh dated 31/03/2023.

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The bench expressed hope that the state of Chhattisgarh will take further measures in the matter by "innovative approach and stringent monitoring, ensuring that legacy waste as well as unprocessed waste and liquid waste generation and treatment are bridged at the earliest, shortening the proposed timelines, adopting alternative/interim measures to the extent and wherever found viable".

The NGT directed the Chief Secretary, Chhattisgarh to take further remedial measures to ensure compliance of SWM Rules as well as setting up of necessary sewage management systems within stipulated timelines. In addition ring-fenced amount of at least Rs 1000 crores has to be set apart in terms of statement of the Chief Secretary, Chhattisgarh and such funds be kept as 'non lapsable'.

Legacy waste at 7 urban local bodies be remediated without further delay and "quantify remediated legacy waste indicating that no legacy waste is remaining and reported in the next compliance report" the order said. Immediate efforts be made for ensuring connectivity with sewage treatment plants (STPs) and proposed STPs, the order said.