Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, May 15:

In a significant order East Zone Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) today directed Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) to submit its contention before it on May 30 in the form of an affidavit in the case pertaining to Daruthenga dumping yard.

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The NGT questioned BMC on Pollution Control Board’s permission, consent to operate and environmental clearance for the Daruthenga dumping yard. The BMC, however, sought for more time from the NGT to produce the documents.

“Pollution Control Board’s Consent Order, as well as steps taken towards solid waste management rule-2016, was sought by the NGT. Two more misc applications were filed by the applicant,” informed Prabhanjan Mishra, petitioner’s counsel.

While the BMC argued before the green watchdog that it had undertaken dumping at Daruthenga site on orders of the Orissa High Court, the latter ordered the former to furnish the same through an affidavit.

“We have got environment impact assessment (EIA) done for getting environmental clearance. We have submitted that. The Pollution Control Board has asked the Collector to hold a public hearing. Only after the problem is over that the consent to operate will be available. The NGT has asked us to make a submission in the form of an affidavit by May 30,” stated Srimanta Mishra, Deputy Commissioner BMC.

It may be noted here that the villagers of Daruthenga panchayat had boycotted the recently held panchayat polls opposing the dumping yard.

Despite repeated protests by the villagers, the civic administration continues to dump garbage at the site.