Bombay HC directs BMC to set up bio-medical waste plant in 2 years

Bombay: The Bombay High Court has directed the authorities to expedite setting up the incinerator facility so that it can be completed within two years. This came after a delay was reported in the construction of BMC's new bio-medical waste plant at Patalganga MIDC.

The bench comprising Justice Arif Doctor and the Chief Justice was considering a PIL by Govandi New Sargam Welfare Society that requested for relocation or shift of the plant in fear of continuous emission of toxic gases from its incinerators, reports a Daily. 

On August 11, contractor SMS Envoclean informed HC that the grant of environment clearance (EC) would take "232 days" from the allotment of land. Additionally, the plant's construction will be finished 13 months after receiving EC. The MPCB member secretary was then instructed by HC to call a meeting to discuss ways to shorten the construction period. 

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The judges noted that at the August 22 meeting, it was decided that the contractor would make efforts to reduce construction and commission time from 13 months to 12 months after securing the necessary permission. Also, a report on the environmental impact of the project will be taken up immediately and submitted to the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority for clearance. The judges then granted "2 years from today" for the completion of the new plant. The concerned officials will be answerable for any lapse in establishing the new incinerator facility, reports Times of India.  

Society's advocate Zaman Ali pointed at the pollution between 2019-2022 and stated that as per the 'polluter pays' principle, the respondents have to be held accountable. Senior advocate Aspi Chinoy, for the contractor, said MPCB has agreed to give permission to operate. It was further stated that there is no need to shift the plant but the incinerator systems would be relocated. He said MPCB ensures online monitoring of pollution levels. However, the advocate for the petitioner pointed out that two show-cause notices had been issued for not adhering to the Central Pollution Control Board guidelines as there was no monitoring. "The question is how it affected citizens all around it," he said.

The court ordered that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) handle the request for environmental compensation more effectively. They stipulated that the NGT must make a decision as soon as possible if the petitioner approaches it. They stated that MPCB would conduct monthly physical inspections in addition to online monitoring of the pollution levels in the vicinity of the Govandi plant. 

The court had expected substantial reduction in timeline... construction time. In 20 days, we could organise G20...," remarked Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya.