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Poor waste management: NGT pulls up Sirhind civic body, flags lax recovery of ₹1.29-cr penalty
The National Green Tribunal criticized the Sirhind municipal council for ongoing solid waste management violations and slow recovery of a ₹1.29 crore environmental compensation. In hearings on April 15 and April 24, 2026, the tribunal heard claims of progress through bio-remediation and noted only ₹23 lakh recovered with ₹1.06 crore outstanding, while PPCB initiated coercive recovery steps. The tribunal directed officials to explain compliance and recovery status, and the council pledged waste clearance and green-park conversion for the site.
Why It Matters
Shows active judicial oversight over municipal waste management and enforcement of penalties, with potential impact on local environmental health and governance.
Timeline
2 Events
NGT proceedings on April 24: affidavit details ₹1.29 crore penalty; recovery status and enforcement steps discussed
April 24, 2026
The NGT noted an affidavit filed by the Punjab Pollution Control Board detailing an environmental compensation of ₹1.29 crore on the Sirhind municipal council for violations of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. The ₹1.29 crore comprises ₹1.23 crore for non-compliance between July 2020 and September 2025, plus ₹6 lakh for continued violations up to December 2025. The PPCB informed the Tribunal that only ₹23 lakh has been recovered, with ₹1.06 crore outstanding. The NGT expressed dissatisfaction at the slow recovery and directed senior officials from the PPCB and the Sirhind municipal council to appear and explain compliance and recovery status. The PPCB has initiated coercive measures, including show-cause notices and writing to the Punjab government and Fatehgarh Sahib deputy commissioner to recover the amount as arrears of land revenue, though progress on the ground has been uneven.
NGT hearing on April 15: Sirhind council reports 70% waste processed via bio-remediation and commits to clearing remaining waste within a month
April 15, 2026
During the April 15 hearing, the Sirhind Municipal Council submitted that approximately 70% of the legacy waste had been scientifically processed through bio-remediation and assured the Tribunal that the remaining waste would be cleared within a month. It also stated that the reclaimed site would be converted into a green park for public use.