Solid waste found at 64 unauthorised locations in Bahadurgarh
The stage- III of the graded response action plan (GRAP) is already in force in the district to curb further deterioration of the air quality index (AIQ) in the national capital region (NCR) but local authorities are apparently not paying much heed to execute its instructions effectively. Consequently, the AQI of Bahadurgarh town of the district continues to be unhealthy causing breathing and other issues to locals.
In a latest development, local teams of the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) have found solid waste/ garbage lying in a total 64 "unauthorised" locations under the Haryana State Vikas Parishad (HSVP) and Municipal Council (MC) in Bahadurgarh town during inspections.
Taking a serious note of the negligence, the HSPCB authorities have issued show-cause notice to the Estate Officer, HSVP, and the Executive Officer, MC, Bahadurgarh, for prosecution for the violation of the directions issued under GRAP.
Both officials have been directed to reply to the show-cause notice within 15 days as to why prosecution action may not be initiated against them under Section 14 of the Commission for Air Quality Management in the NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021 for the violation of the GRAP directions.
“In case you fail to submit the reply about the deficiencies within the stipulated time, It will be presumed that you have nothing to say in this regard and accept the status. Appropriate action will be initiated against you as per the provisions,” states the notice issued to the officers by Shakti Singh, Regional Officer, HSPCB, yesterday.
Singh told ‘The Tribune’ that the HSPCB officials, including Amit Kumar, Ajay Bura and Chanderkant, inspected the HSVP Sector 6, Sector 3 (Chhara-Beri Road), Sector 9A, Arya Nagar, Prem Nagar, Kath Mandi, Dharam Vihar, Basant Vihar, Mohan Nagar, Quilla Mohalla and BDO complex in Bahadurgarh on Friday and found dumping of solid waste/garbage unscientifically at 64 different locations there, which were not the garbage dumping points.
“Among these, 58 locations belong to the HSVP and six to the Municipal Council, hence show-cause notices for prosecution have been issued to them. As per directions, solid waste cannot be dumped illegally in open land areas and the authorities concerned are also bound to ensure regular lifting of solid waste, construction and demolition waste and hazardous wastes from dedicated dump sites,” the RO said.
Meanwhile, Pradeep Dahiya, Deputy Commissioner, has directed all local authorities to ensure the compliance of all directions of GRAP effectively in their jurisdiction concerned. “Prompt action will be taken against those found committing negligence in it. The HSPCB officials have also been asked to monitor the situation closely and inspect the vulnerable sites in the district daily,” he added.
