PCC to assess quantity, duration of disposal
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Feb 26: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed a fresh inspection of the alleged illegal dumping of municipal, biomedical and plastic waste near National Highway in Pulwama district.
The directions were issued by the Principal Bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, and Expert Member Dr Afroz Ahmad, while hearing Original Application No. 147/2026 filed by Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat against the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and others.
Observing that the matter raises substantial issues relating to compliance with environmental norms, the Tribunal issued notice to the respondents and directed the applicant to serve them and file an affidavit of service at least one week before the next date of hearing.
The Tribunal specifically directed Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (J&K PCC) – to conduct a fresh inspection to ascertain the quantity of solid waste illegally dumped at the site, determine how long the waste has been lying there, and report on any remedial measures taken so far. A comprehensive report is to be filed at least one week prior to the next hearing.
Other respondents have been directed to file their replies within the same timeline. In the interim, Municipal Committee, Awantipora – has been directed to take all possible remedial measures.
According to the order dated February 25, 2026, the applicant alleged that municipal solid waste collected from Awantipora town, including waste from Tral and other local areas, was being dumped unscientifically at the site.
The petition alleged accumulation of solid waste causing a foul smell and creating a health hazard, besides instances of waste being burnt at different locations in violation of environmental laws.
It further stated that the dumping was taking place near the irrigation canal, NH-44 and Padgampora Nehar, a lift irrigation canal.
Violations of the Solid Waste Management Rules, Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules and Plastic Waste Management Rules were also alleged.
During the hearing, the applicant’s counsel referred to photographs placed on record and the inspection report of the J&K PCC dated August 14, 2025, which recorded that the dumping site had come up illegally without prior consent from the pollution control body.
It was also submitted that a show-cause notice was issued the same day to the Municipal Committee, Awantipora, for violation of environmental norms, proposing punitive action. However, no remedial action had been taken and dumping continued despite the notice.
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