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NGT asks under-scanner Punjab Pollution Control Board to act tough against other violators

The National Green Tribunal orders strong action against the Batala Municipal Corporation for violations of environmental laws regarding solid waste management.

The NGT order came after the Public Action Committee and residents of Batala moved court against the illegal dumping of solid waste in Batala. (File image)

The National Green Tribunal ordered the Punjab Pollution Control Board to take action against Batala Municipal Corporation officials for continuous violations of solid waste management rules on January 7. Three days later, PPCB Chairman Adarsh Pal Vig, along with Mines Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal, received a Lokpal notice asking why an inquiry should not be initiated into the government machinery’s alleged failure to stop illegal mining in Mohali.

The NGT order came after the Public Action Committee and residents of Batala moved court against the illegal dumping of solid waste in Batala, including on roadsides and inside Kasoor Nalah (heritage drain).

The NGT bench said in its order, “On these facts and circumstances, we find that the conduct of Municipal Corporation Batala is highly deprecable and shows an adamant attitude and continuous violation of statutory provisions with regard to the management, handling, and disposal of solid waste. They are continuously non-compliant with the provisions of SWM Rules, 2016, read with EP Act, 1986. This continuous contravention attracts provisions of Section 15 of EP Act, 1986.”

The order further read, “PPCB shall immediately take action against responsible authorities of Municipal Corporation of Batala for imposition of penalty under Section 15 of EP Act, 1986, by initiating proceedings before the Adjudicating Authority in accordance with law and submit a compliance report before the Tribunal.”

The bench also directed the authorities to recover the environmental compensation of Rs 60 lakh imposed on the Batala Municipal Corporation.

During the hearing, the PPCB informed the NGT that the violations were continuing even after a showcause notice was issued and fine imposed in the past and that there was no satisfactory compliance on the part of the municipal corporation.

The NGT has asked the PPCB to take punitive action against the corporation officials by initiating proceedings before the adjudicating authority before March 15, 2025.

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However, the PPCB itself is accused of not following environmental laws and regulations.

In December 2020, the NGT, while passing an order in a case related to illegal mining in parts of Punjab, commented on the PPCB and other departments concerned, “There is thus a huge amount of illegal mining. Its extent is to the tune of more than one crore MT, of the value of more than Rs 600 crore, as shown by the reports furnished to this Tribunal by statutory authorities. There is no effective action on the ground except paperwork of calculating compensation. Can such a situation be allowed by authorities if the doctrine of public trust and good governance is to be followed? This should be an eye-opener for the authorities in the State of Punjab, but it seems that no attention is being paid to the same. There is a clear need for continuous evaluation and remedial action.”

Lokpal Justice Vinod K Sharma is looking into allegations against the PPCB that it failed to stop illegal mining in Mohali district.

Kamaldeep Singh Brar

Kamaldeep Singh Brar is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, primarily covering Amritsar and the Majha region of Punjab. He is one of the publication's key reporters for stories involving the Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), and the sensitive socio-political issues of the border districts. Core Beats & Specializations Religious & Panthic Affairs: He has deep expertise in the internal workings of the Akal Takht and SGPC, frequently reporting on religious sentences (Tankhah), Panthic politics, and the influence of Sikh institutions. National Security & Crime: His reporting covers cross-border drug smuggling, drone activities from Pakistan, and the activities of radical groups. Regional Politics: He is the primary correspondent for the Majha belt, covering elections and political shifts in Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Gurdaspur. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His work in late 2025 has been centered on judicial developments, local body elections, and religious controversies: 1. Religious Politics & Akal Takht "Akal Takht pronounces religious sentences against former Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh" (Dec 8, 2025): Covering the historic decision to hold the former Jathedar guilty for granting a pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in 2015. "YouTube suspends SGPC’s channel for a week over video on 1984 Army action" (Nov 20, 2025): Reporting on the digital friction between global tech platforms and Sikh religious bodies. "As AAP govt grants Amritsar holy tag, a look at its fraught demand" (Nov 28, 2025): An analytical piece on the long-standing demand for declaring Amritsar a "holy city" and its political implications. 2. Crime & National Security "Mostly Khalistanis on Amritpal’s hit list: Punjab govt to High Court" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on the state government's claims regarding jailed MP Amritpal Singh orchestrating activity from prison. "Punjab man with links to Pakistan’s ISI handlers killed in encounter" (Nov 20, 2025): Detailing a police operation in Amritsar involving "newly refurbished" firearms likely sent from across the border. "15 schools in Amritsar get bomb threat emails; police launch probe" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering the panic and police response to mass threats against educational institutions. 3. Political Analysis & Elections "AAP wins 12 of 15 zones in SAD stronghold Majitha" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant shift in the 2025 rural elections where the Akali Dal lost its grip on a traditional fortress. "Tarn Taran bypoll: woman faces threats after complaining to CM Mann about drug menace" (Nov 9, 2025): A ground report on the personal risks faced by citizens speaking out against the illegal drug trade in border villages. "AAP wins Tarn Taran bypoll, but SAD finds silver lining" (Nov 14, 2025): Analyzing the 2025 assembly by-election results and the surprising performance of Independents backed by radical factions. 4. Human Interest "Two couples and a baby: Punjab drug addiction tragedy has new victims" (Nov 20, 2025): A tragic investigative piece about parents selling an infant to fund their addiction. "Kashmiri women artisans debut at Amritsar’s PITEX" (Dec 8, 2025): A feature on financial independence initiatives for rural women at the Punjab International Trade Expo. Signature Beat Kamaldeep is known for his nuanced understanding of border dynamics. His reporting often highlights the "drug crisis in the underprivileged localities" (like Muradpur in Tarn Taran, Nov 9, 2025), providing a voice to marginalized communities affected by addiction and administrative neglect. X (Twitter): @kamalsbrar ... Read More

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