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Judgment
Proceedings have been initiated based on the captioned news item after advance notice dated 22.08.2022 to Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and Karnataka State PCB for their response.
Response filed by the BBMP is that the plant in question was established in November, 2015. Closed sheds have been constructed to prevent leakage or underground percolation. The news item does not correctly depict the factual position. Leakage reported is accidental due to rain overflow outside the plant. BBMP has taken steps to control odour and for fly management. Meeting was held with the villagers and their grievance redressed. Work order has been allotted for construction of leachate plant inside the plant premises which is likely to be completed in six months.
We have heard learned Counsel for the State PCB and BBMP. We find it difficult to accept the stand of the BBMP that there is no leakage from the sewage plant in question. The fact that work order has now been issued for construction of leachate plant itself shows that currently leachate is not properly treated. There are contradictions is the explanation about current handling of the leachate. It is stated that 300 TPD wet waste is being received for processing in the plant, wherein about 80% is leachate. Consent for the plant mentions only 20KLD capacity subject to the condition that no more waste is to be generated and the same is to be collected in the premises and disposed of through STP of Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). It is explained that though earlier leachate was being disposed through BWSSB but now there is some private arrangement which is against consent terms. There is nothing to show what such arrangement is and whether it meets the environmental norms. The State PCB is also unable to provide any assistance in this regard.
In view of unsatisfactory state of affairs depicted above, we direct a joint Committee of Regional Director, CPCB, Regional officer, MoEF&CC and State PCB to look into the matter and take remedial action in accordance with law. State PCB will be the nodal agency for compliance. The Committee may meet within one month, take stock of the factual situation and prepare an action plan to remedy the situation for which BBMP will bear the cost. An action taken report be filed within two months with the Registrar General of this Tribunal by e-mail at [email protected] preferably in the form of searchable PDF/ OCR Support PDF and not in the form of Image PDF. The report may mention the extent of violations found and steps taken for remedying the same. If necessary, the Registrar General may place the matter for further consideration before the Tribunal.
Subject to above, the Application is disposed of.
A copy of this order be forwarded to CPCB, MoEF&CC, State PCB and BBMP by e-mail for compliance.