Early Times Report
Jammu, July 18: In a Public Interest Litigation filed by Adv Rajinder Singh Jamwal highlighted the poor working of State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) especially no arrangement for testing the quality of air. The petition pointed out that in the absence of pollution check at government laboratory level most of the industrial units have to seek help from private laboratories for getting the sample tested which is in violation of law because no authenticity has been attached to these reports.
A Division Bench of State High Court Comprising Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Sanjay Kumar Gupta after hearing both sides, directed JMC Commissioner to file the latest action taken report.
When the PIL Came-up for hearing, Division Bench was informed that the file has been submitted to Housing & Urban Development Department, Civil Secretariat, Srinagar for further orders and matter is under consideration of the competent authority.
DB further observed that it is stated that in compliance to the directions of this Court a committee was constituted vide Government Order No. 41-HUD of 2018 dated 05.02.2018 and accordingly a detailed action plan has been deliberated and drafted by the Committee in compliance of parameters prescribed under the e-waste Management Rles,2016. It is further stated that draft action plan for e-waste management of Jammu city was submitted to the Housing & Urban Development Department for further appropriate action in terms of Section 12(3) of the e-waste Management Rules, 2016.
It is further submitted that JMC has taken necessary steps to treat the garbage chemically so that dumping of garbage does not become health hazard. In this regard, short term e-tender notice was issued or supply of odour control, sanitation powder with the technical specification having properties of removal of foul smell, non-hazardous-Bio degradable, non-toxic, plant extract (herbal) base product and must substantially reduce the foul smell and suppression of files/ insects.
Upon this DB directed Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Jammu is directed to file the latest action taken report with regard to annexure - 5 of the compliance report by or before the next date of hearing.
DB further observed that when the matter was heard on June 5, 2018, Rohit Kapoor, AAG appearing on behalf of the State Pollution Control Board stated that with a view to establish newly sanctioned 13 centres for Jammu region, the requisite funding is required, for which, a proposal has already been sent to the Central Pollution Control Board.
DB further observed that despite opportunity of four weeks, requisite compliance report has not been filed till date and on asking of the Court, SS Nanda, Sr. AAG caused his appearance on behalf of the State Pollution Control Board and seeks some more time to enable him to do the needful in terms of order dated 05.06.2018. Further three weeks' time is granted him to file reply on behalf of the State Pollution Control Board, failing which the Chairman, State Pollution Control Board shall appear in person on the next date of hearing. |
