The Bombay High Court was today informed by the Maharashtra government that 14 out of the 26 municipal corporations across the state have not developed processing plants or secured landfill sites to dump and process solid wastes.
Only five - Navi Mumbai, Nashik, Nagpur, Pune and Vasai-Virar - corporations have developed processing plants and secured landfill sites, which are authorised by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), whereas seven corporations have partial facilities.
This information was submitted in an affidavit filed by Shree Kant Singh, principal secretary, Urban Development Department, in reply to a bunch of petitions seeking directions to government for implementation of Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules and closure of dumping sites within city limits.
A division bench of Justices A M Khanwilkar and A P Bhangale had last week directed the government to stop illegal dumping of solid waste across the state with immediate effect.
"In all there are 26 municipal corporations and 230 municipal councils in the state. Out of the 26 corporations only nine have valid authorisation from the MPCB, whereas validity of 14 has expired," the affidavit states adding among the municipal councils only 141 have authorisation from MPCB.
According to the affidavit, municipal commissioners will be directed to take all possible measures to ensure implementation of the rules.
The affidavit adds that the government has constituted a Solid Waste Management Cell in 2002 to implement rules, to impart training to urban local bodies and to develop technology for waste handling.
Also, MMRDA is developing common waste treatment facility and regional landfill sites at Taloja, the land for which has been acquired. Necessary authorisation from MPCB and clearance from MOEF has also been acquired.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on March 22.
