NGT directs JPCB, East Singhbhum DC to submit ATR and affidavits
Key Points:
- NGT orders immediate action to control fire at Sonari dump
- Officials directed to submit ATR and personal affidavits
- Hearing scheduled on January 8, 2025, at Kolkata Bench
JAMSHEDPUR – The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JPCB) and the Deputy Commissioner of East Singhbhum to take immediate steps to extinguish the fire at Sonari’s garbage dump.
The tribunal further instructed them to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) and individual affidavits before January 8, 2025. The matter is listed for hearing at NGT’s Kolkata Bench on the same date.
The directive came during a hearing on December 11, 2024, in response to petition number 46/2024 filed by Jamshedpur West MLA Saryu Roy. The bench of Amit Sthalekar and Dr. Arun Verma passed the order.
Background of the Case
Initially, K.S. Upadhyay had filed a petition (05/2023) concerning the same issue. On April 5, 2023, NGT issued its final order and disposed of the original petition.
However, MLA Saryu Roy claimed that the JPCB and East Singhbhum administration failed to implement NGT’s earlier directives. He submitted photographs of the ongoing fire at the garbage dump and news reports from Jamshedpur’s local newspapers as evidence.
Current Situation and Concerns
Roy highlighted that the situation has worsened due to administrative inaction. Despite orders, the garbage heap remains, and the fire continues to burn, leading to environmental hazards.
Meanwhile, NGT has expressed serious concerns over pollution caused by the fire. It emphasized the need for swift action to mitigate risks and control the situation effectively.
Immediate Next Steps
The officials have been instructed to file a detailed ATR and affidavits verifying the actions taken to resolve the matter.
The case will next be heard on January 8, 2025, at the Kolkata Bench of NGT.
