Untreated waste: Green board slaps 1L fine on gram panchayat in Lahaul Spiti

Kullu: The Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) has slapped a fine of Rs 1 lakh on Koksar gram panchayat in Lahaul Spiti district for not treating and managing solid waste scientifically and failing to prevent littering in the eco-sensitive zone.The penalty was imposed after officials from HPSPCB inspected the area and found many locations near the north portal of Atal Tunnel littered with waste, including along the roads to Koksar village and Rohtang Pass. They also found that the Koksar panchayat had dumped waste in the nearby Dimpuk village along a water body. Besides, a material recovery facility was not functioning. They came across open burning of solid waste, found that there was no treatment facility for wet waste and no sign boards warning against littering in Koksar.The inspection was conducted following NGT’s directions in an ongoing case in which the petitioner – an environmental NGO – has complained that the non-disposal of solid waste was polluting the Koksar area.In a status report submitted to the NGT recently, the HPSPCB stated that another inspection was carried out in Koksar on Sept 11 and the material recovery facility was yet again found to be non-functional. “During the course of inspection, it was observed that there was no source of power supply to run the facility and dry waste was found collected inside the MRF,” stated the report. It said there were plans to initiate a study to determine the carrying capacity of Sissu and Koksar areas in Lahaul Spiti so that tourist flow could be controlled, if necessary.

Three upscalerestos violate solid waste rules, fined

MCG penalised three upscale restaurants in Sector 29, Gurgaon, for violating solid waste management rules, slapping fines of Rs 25,000 each. The establishments, identified as bulk waste generators, must segregate waste and ensure proper recycling and composting. Recent inspections revealed compliance issues, with many failing to maintain functional composting units and proper waste disposal practices.

50 cents allocated for Thrikkakara waste treatment facility

In a move to address waste management issues, the district collector has allocated 50 cents of puramboke land in Kakkanad Village for Thrikkakara municipality's waste treatment facility. The land transfer, subject to government approval, will remain under the revenue department's ownership. A high-level meeting is scheduled to discuss construction details.

Tripartite agreement signed to promote production of biofuel from urban solid waste

A key agreement between Bhilai Municipal Corporation, CBDA, and BPCL aims to transform 150 metric tonnes of urban solid waste into biofuel in Chhattisgarh. BPCL will invest Rs 60 crore in the plant, generating significant employment and promoting a cleaner environment. The initiative also supports organic farming and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

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