PPCB cancels Jainpur,Tajpur roads as dumping sites

The PPCB has said the ground water in and around both sites was not fit for drinking and even the garbage dumping has affected the soil adversely because the MC authorities could not implement the solid waste management rules. There is agriculture as well as residential accommodation around both locations.

While the PPCB has okayed the proposal of the MC to set up a solid waste processing plant on Tajpur Road where 67 acres of land is being used for dumping garbage,the solid waste processing plant at Jainpur site has been turned down. But throwing of garbage is being done at both sites for the time being.

Garbage is littered all over on 67 acres on Tajpur Road while 33 acres Jainpur site is also full of violations.

The PPCB rules,however,add that solid waste processing plant at Tajpur Road can be set up only when the MC will provide a green belt of a minimum 15 metres width along the boundary as a buffer zone. The site should be authorized by the district town planner as per their master plan. It also stated that MC shall get approval from the Sahnewal airport authorities before starting the project because the airport is about 10 km from this site. The environmental clearance of this site is also sought as per the PPCB instructions.

However,Jainpur site is surrounded by agriculture land,residential area within 500 metres and board had stated in July,2009 as well to rejuvenate this site and not to throw any more waste at this site. But the violations are continuing,said Arvind Sharma.

Although PPCB has given a detailed note of cancellation of authorization of both sites,however they have left a major loophole in which they mentioned that MC authorities themselves are responsible for implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules,2000,and hence they are not responsible for taking any action against them for violations. This was also stated in RTI reply to Sharma. PPCB Environmental Engineer stated that the DC of the concerned district can get the enforcement of provisions of these rules. MC has hence been left scot free for doing gross violations as PPCB washes its hands from taking action against them.