NGT expresses concern over garbage mounds in Punjab's Dinanagar town

GURDASPUR: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has formed a joint committee to verify the facts with regard to the mounting heaps of garbage appearing in Dinanagar town of Gurdaspur district and submit its report for further action.
According to the NGT, the committee includes the representatives of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Punjab State Pollution Control Board (PSPCB) and Gurdaspur district magistrate.The NGT has directed them to meet within two weeks' time, visit the site, verify the factual position and take appropriate remedial action.
The NGT has issued the orders in response to a complaint filed by environmentalist and human right activist Sunil Dutt, a resident of Dinanagar.
Dutt has accused the Dinanagar Municipal Council of dumping garbage in a waste water pond located near the police station. As a result, he said large heaps of waste containing hazardous chemicals, plastic materials, and other scraps had accumulated in the area.
“This alarming situation has raised serious concerns about environmental pollution and there is a need for immediate action to address the issue and mitigate potential harm to the ecosystem and public health” said he.
He said that the dumping ground was in the close proximity to numerous essential facilities such as hospitals, schools, government offices, police stations, and the Arya Nagar residential area and expressed concern that the garbage dumping was contaminating the groundwater, emitting foul odors, and posing significant health hazards to the residents.