Punjab’s affidavit on waste management ‘deficient in substance’, amicus tells NGT

Chandigarh: Punjab's claims of compliance with solid and liquid waste management norms have come under scrutiny, with the amicus curiae informing the National Green Tribunal that the state's affidavit is "deficient in substance" and does not inspire confidence on environmental outcomes.In an observation report submitted in the matter relating to compliance with the Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and other environmental issues, the amicus curiae held that the affidavit filed on behalf of the chief secretary, Punjab, though extensive in form, is "deficient in substance" and does not meet the required threshold of compliance.The report points out that, as per the affidavit submitted by the authorities, Punjab has 166 urban local bodies generating about 4,008 tonnes per day (TPD) of solid waste. Of this, 3,968 TPD is transported and 3,605 TPD processed, leaving a gap of 403 TPD between waste generated and processed. It also records a 40 TPD gap between waste generation and transportation and a 363 TPD gap between transported and processed waste. Material recovery facilities have a capacity of 2,320 TPD, but only 1,076 TPD of dry waste is being received, while about 388 TPD is handled by informal waste pickers.The amicus suggested that digital tracking through online portals and bulk generator registration be undertaken, along with mandatory 100% source segregation with ward-level monitoring and third-party audits. It also recommended prohibiting mixed waste entry into processing plants, creating market linkages for compost, and submitting plant-wise utilisation certificates.The report further called for mandatory urban local body-wise waste accounting across all 166 ULBs, including daily generation and processing logs, facility-wise allocation, and tracking of sanitary and household biomedical waste. It also recommended strict enforcement of Extended Producer Responsibility and identification of ULBs contributing to the 40 TPD non-transported waste, 363 TPD processing gap, and 388 TPD dry waste handled by informal waste pickers.The amicus also suggested inclusion of the informal sector into material recovery facility operations, deployment of decentralised composting for small ULBs, cluster-based processing facilities, and clarification on where the remaining 403 TPD of waste is being disposed of daily.The observation note also flags concerns regarding legacy waste management in the state. As per govt records, Punjab has 149 legacy waste sites with total legacy waste of 84.09 lakh metric tonnes as of Jan 2026. The note further states that the total legacy waste for Jan 2024 and Jan 2025 was also reported as 84.09 lakh metric tonnes.The amicus curiae questioned these figures, noting that the state has claimed remediation of 30.22 lakh metric tonnes in Jan 2024, 36.24 lakh metric tonnes in Jan 2025, and 41.75 lakh metric tonnes by Sept 2025, yet the total legacy waste has remained unchanged at 84.09 lakh metric tonnes.The note recommended mandatory safeguards at all legacy waste sites, including groundwater testing, leachate containment, post-remediation land-use certification, monsoon contingency planning, and time-bound bio-mining or bioremediation. It also called for installation and operation of functional leachate treatment plants and creation of a real-time digital waste tracking system through a centralised portal. It further emphasised that no site should be declared remediated without groundwater testing, soil quality reports, and proof of leachate elimination.The observations also highlighted issues in the liquid waste management across the state. According to the data cited in the note, Punjab generates 2,219.91 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage, while treatment utilisation stands at 2,009.50 MLD, leaving a gap of 210.41 MLD. The state has 162 sewage treatment plants, of which six are non-complying, 28 are under stabilisation, and five are under maintenance.Among 138 urban local bodies, 425 drains carry a flow of 360.89 MLD, while total sewage generation stands at 1,676.11 MLD. The installed STP capacity in these ULBs is 1,721.50 MLD, with utilisation at 1,475.03 MLD, leaving a gap of 201.08 MLD. The note further mentions that the Amritsar STP is operating at 100% capacity with 217 MLD installed and utilised, with similar situations reported in Maur, Rampura Phul, Fazilka, Ferozepur and Urmar Tanda, among others.The report further states that treated and untreated discharge ultimately flows into drains and water bodies, including the Ghaggar River, Kali Bein, Sutlej, Beas Drain, Beas River and Sirhind Choe, raising environmental and public health concerns.The amicus suggested installation of temporary modular treatment units, interception and diversion systems at major drains until all households are connected, and ensuring that STPs are located outside the highest flood points. It also recommended that all six non-complying STPs achieve standards within three months.The report concludes that the affidavit filed by the state does not "inspire confidence" and fails to establish compliance in terms of environmental outcomes, statutory obligations and binding judicial directions. It adds that the deficiencies are not merely procedural but directly result in soil and groundwater contamination, air pollution and public health risks.