Delhi: NGT Panel Suggests Reserving One-Third Of Land Reclaimed From Dumps For Dense Forests

The panel also requested that a web gateway be created by June 30 to illustrate the daily creation of garbage, collection, recycling, processing, and disposal at dump sites.

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An NGT panel has proposed that one-third of reclaimed land from Delhi dump sites be set aside for dense forest, with an equivalent amount set aside for integrated waste management facilities. The National Green Tribunal's solid-waste monitoring committee, which recently held a review meeting, has asked the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the Delhi Development Authority, and the forest department to submit a detailed action plan on proper reclaimed land utilisation within a month. The committee was formed by the NGT in February, with Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena as its chairman. On Monday, the panel filed its report, news agency PTI reported.

The panel also requested that a web gateway be created by June 30 to illustrate the daily creation of garbage, collection, recycling, processing, and disposal at dump sites.

"The online feed shall also be made available to the Urban Development Department of GNCTD, DPCC and CPCB," the panel recommended.

According to the panel, it was also determined that MCD, NDMC, and DCB shall conduct a third-party audit of solid waste management, including segregation, collection, transportation, recycling, processing, and disposal at the dump site, through an independent and reputable expert agency.

"It was further decided that MCD, NDMC and DCB shall award the work within a fortnight and shall complete the audit by 30" September, 2023," it said.

"One-third of land occupied by legacy dump sites (on reclamation) needs to be reserved for dense forest," the panel was quoted by PTI in its report.

The research suggested that compensatory afforestation fund management and planning authority (CAMPA) money be used in the afforestation process.

"Further, one-third of reclaimed land out of the said dump site needs to be reserved for integrated waste management facilities," it added.

The remaining one-third of recovered land can be used for any other purpose consistent with the foregoing aims, including monetisation if financing is necessary to address legacy trash, according to the panel.

"MCD, DDA, and forest department shall take necessary advance action for proper utilisation of the reclaimed land and submit detailed prospective action plan along with timelines and nodal officer for implementation of the action plan within a months' time to the Convenor of the SWMC for Solid Waste Monitoring," it added. 

(With Inputs From PTI)