PU, PGI face fines for violating waste rules

Chandigarh: Tightening its noose against violators of Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2016 the municipal corporation has served notices on nine different establishments.They include Punjab Engineering College (PEC); Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32; Panjab University; PGIMER; Market Committee, Sector 26; and BSNL Housing Society, Sector 50; Kendriya Vihar Society, Sector 48; Pushpak Society, Sector 49; and Progressive Society, Sector 50, all of which are bulk waste generators.The MC said inspections on October 31 revealed statutory provisions were not being complied with and processing of wet waste not being done by the institutions in accordance with the rules.Municipal commissioner Anindita Mitra said no institution or society, government or private, which is a bulk waste generator, will be spared for failure to manage solid waste within the premises.She said Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, define establishments generating over 100kg waste daily as bulk waste generators. These establishments have to mandatorily dispose of their wet waste within their premises through composting or bio-methanation while handing over dry waste to an authorised agency of the MC.The notices directed the owners and management to comply with waste management norms by January 15 or they would face fine and directions could be issued for the registration of criminal cases.“The failure to comply with rule 4 (7) of SWM Rules, 2016, will entail a fine of Rs 500 and Rs 19,500 once a month as fine and administrative charges. A fine of Rs 2,000 per day shall be levied on bulk waste generators unable to process their waste on the site,” according to the civic body.