DW BUREAU / Kapurthala

Reacting to imposition of a penalty of Rs. 1000 crore on the Punjab government by the National Green tribunal (NGT) for failing to comply with environment laws, Kapurthala MLA Mr. Rana Gurjeet Singh on Friday said that the commissioners and the executive officers of the local civic bodies in the state's municipal corporations and councils need to put special efforts for municipal waste management and sewage treatment.

The MLA suggested for building a protocol for solid waste management and treatment of sewage in the cities and towns of the state, suggesting for mechanised system of waste treatment.

"To begin with, the department of local should start mohalla level cleaning of sewage lines in the cities, so that the neighbourhoods are clean and there is no overflowing," he said.

"The waste originating from the cities and towns has become big problem and is taking shape of an epidemic and this needs to be dealt on a top priority," suggested Mr. Rana Gurjeet Singh.

Citing example from his constituency Kapurthala the MLA said that despite his repeated requests the system of waste management remains improper.

According to the MLA, "it is sad that the Punjab government has been asked to pay huge penalties for failing to comply with the environmental laws. This is second time in three years that Punjab has come under the scanner of the NGT".

Due to rise in population in the cities of Punjab leading to increase in the municipal waste load, the effluent treatment plant are under not working optimum and at many places untreated sewage is released into the water bodies further worsening the scenario.

"Instead of paying heavy penalties the government should focus on capital investment for sewage treatment and waste management", said Kapurthala MLA, giving a call for overhauling the sewage and waste collection system in the state.
(editor@dailyworld.in)