NGT takes serious view of dumping of garbage in abandoned quarries at Pongupalayam by Tiruppur Corporation

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken a serious view of dumping of garbage by the Tiruppur Corporation into abandoned quarries in Pongupalayam panchayat.

Acting on a Public Interest Litigation filed by R. Satish Kumar, secretary of State Legal Awareness Wing of Tamil Nadu Farmers Protection Movement, the NGT South Zone is learnt to have sought an explanation from the district administration on the issue.

A resolution was adopted by the villagers of Pongupalayam panchayat during the special grama sabha meeting on November 23 demanding immediate stoppage of the practice by the Tiruppur Corporation.

Thereafter, a section of the residents of Pongupalayam maintained vigil to prevent dumping of garbage by the civic body, with the intent of safeguarding livelihood of farmers.

The quarries in Pongupalayam are surrounded by agricultural lands that depend on groundwater and rainwater for irrigation.

On its part, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has issued a notice to the authorities in Tiruppur district questioning the illegal dumping of garbage.

Replying to Mr. Sathishkumar, the TNPCB has said that its officials had conducted a site inspection at the abandoned quarry, and that the Tiruppur Corporation was found dumping unsegregated municipal solid waste into abandoned quarries located in Kalampalayam and Pongupalayam villages.

Vehicles of Tirupur Corporation, including contract vehicles were found dumping unsegregated municipal solid waste into the quarry during the inspection by the team of officials.

The Tiruppur Corporation has not obtained the required authorisation under the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016, the TNPCB has said.

The Tamil Nadu Farmers’ Association had last month also sought intervention by the Directorate of Municipal Administration to prevent the Tiruppur Corporation from persisting with the practice to protect farm lands and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Published - December 03, 2024 07:02 pm IST