NGT Member Judge Orders Strict Waste Management and Green Reforms in Ludhiana
January 31, 2026
ETT News / Ludhiana
Dr. Afroz Ahmad, Hon’ble Member Judge of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), on Friday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess compliance with NGT directions related to the formulation and implementation of the District Environmental Plan in Ludhiana. Officers from the Municipal Corporation Ludhiana, Punjab Pollution Control Board, Health Department, District Administration, and other stakeholder departments attended the meeting.
During the review, Dr. Ahmad examined the status of the District Action Plan with a focus on municipal solid waste management, waste segregation and processing, domestic sewage management, and the operational performance of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). He also reviewed compliance by industries and assessed progress on construction and demolition waste management across the district.
The Hon’ble Member Judge reviewed the quantity of legacy waste lying at various dump sites and evaluated the progress of bio-remediation efforts. He examined the timelines and methodologies adopted for scientific remediation and disposal, directing authorities to ensure time-bound and outcome-oriented execution. He also reviewed the management of other waste streams, including e-waste and plastic waste, and discussed measures to control noise pollution and address identified environmental hotspots.
Dr. Ahmad also reviewed the progress of Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) catering to dyeing and electroplating industries and flagged other critical environmental concerns affecting the district. He emphasized the need for focused action plans to mitigate pollution in vulnerable areas.
On biomedical waste management, Dr. Ahmad directed the Health Department to conduct random inspections of hospitals and healthcare establishments through senior officers to ensure strict compliance with the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, particularly in segregation, storage, treatment, and disposal of waste.
The Hon’ble Member Judge directed that all infrastructure projects must develop and maintain at least 11 percent of their total area as green cover. He also instructed that all mining sites obtain Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate from the Punjab Pollution Control Board and strictly adhere to the prescribed conditions.
He further directed the State Pollution Control Board to prepare an action plan for effective allocation and utilization of funds under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Corporate Environment Responsibility (CER) for environmental improvement works. The District Administration was also instructed to identify firecracker vendors and ensure safe and environmentally compliant storage of explosives.
Appreciating the initiatives taken by the Municipal Corporation Ludhiana and other departments, Dr. Ahmad reiterated that treated wastewater from STPs should be reused for irrigation and other non-potable purposes to conserve freshwater resources. He stressed that segregation of waste at source is mandatory and directed all departments to ensure strict compliance with NGT orders through coordinated and sustained efforts.
NGT Ludhiana Review Dr Afroz Ahmad Waste Management Legacy Waste Green Cover STP Reuse Pollution Control
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