Chhattisgarh waste management data accuracy questioned by NGT

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has raised concerns over the veracity of the waste management data presented by the state of Chhattisgarh. In its recent session, the NGT scrutinized the biannual report submitted by the Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh and expressed skepticism, particularly about the claims of solid waste management efficiency.

NGT doubts Chhattisgarh’s waste segregation

According to the report, Chhattisgarh claims to have achieved 100% segregation of waste at the source in urban areas, amounting to 2,051 tonnes daily, with a similar figure for rural areas. However, the NGT finds these numbers hard to believe, casting doubt on the operational clarity of the Solid and Liquid Resource Management (SLRM) system, which is responsible for waste processing, product utilization, and residue management.

The tribunal also noted that the amount of waste reported in 2023 has not changed in the current year, suggesting a possible discrepancy in the data. Furthermore, the report lacks a detailed breakdown of the 10,17,440 metric tonnes of legacy waste, of which 6,56,900 tonnes have reportedly been addressed, excluding Raipur and Rajnand villages.

The situation is compounded by a significant shortfall in sewage treatment capabilities. The state faces a daily gap of 37.3 crore liters in sewage treatment, with eight sewage treatment plants (STPs) operating below their intended capacity. Moreover, there is no established timeline for the completion of a sewage treatment plant with a capacity of 423.7 MLD.

NGT forms committee to verify

In response to these concerns, the NGT has called for the formation of an independent committee to verify the accuracy of the information provided by Chhattisgarh. This committee will include representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), the regional officer of Raipur, a senior representative of the Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organization, and the member secretary of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The committee will be chaired by the regional officer of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in Raipur.

The joint committee has been tasked with thoroughly reviewing the second biannual report dated April 1, 2024, along with the information submitted by the Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh. Their responsibility is to gather ground-level data to ensure the accuracy of the information provided.

This scrutiny comes at a time when waste management has become a pressing issue, not only in Chhattisgarh but also globally. The United Nations’ recent report, ‘Global Waste Management Outlook 2024’, highlights the alarming increase in global waste generation, underscoring the importance of proper waste disposal practices.