Legacy waste to be cleared in 6 months, Amritsar MC tells NGT

Amritsar’s municipal corporation has pledged to clear legacy waste within six months, according to an affidavit submitted to the National Green Tribunal. The document, filed by MC commissioner Bikramjit Singh Shergill, outlines a timeline that aims to see the old dump sites emptied and the waste processed through bioremediation.

Legacy waste, which refers to the accumulated refuse from previous years, has long been a concern for the city’s environment and public health. The National Green Tribunal had earlier directed the corporation to present a concrete plan for managing the legacy piles, citing the risk of groundwater contamination and the unsightly impact on the city’s landscape.

In response, the Amritsar Municipal Corporation floated a request for proposal (RFP) specifically for bioremediation and disposal of the legacy waste. The RFP, which seeks agencies capable of treating the waste biologically before final disposal, was highlighted in the affidavit as a key step toward meeting the tribunal’s deadline.

The six‑month target set by the MC is ambitious. It reflects a shift from the previous approach, which had been criticized for delays and inadequate action. By committing to a defined period, the corporation signals an intention to accelerate the process and demonstrate responsiveness to the tribunal’s directives.

While the affidavit does not provide a detailed work plan, it confirms that the RFP process is underway and that the selected vendor will be tasked with reducing the volume of legacy waste through scientific methods. This approach aligns with broader efforts across the state to adopt more sustainable waste‑management practices, moving away from simple landfill dumping.

Local residents have long voiced frustration over the presence of large, unmanaged waste piles in various parts of Amritsar. The accumulation has been linked to foul odors, mosquito breeding, and occasional flooding during the monsoon season. The corporation’s pledge to clear the waste within half a year is likely to bring relief to those communities, though the actual pace of implementation will be closely watched.

The National Green Tribunal’s involvement underscores the seriousness with which the issue is being treated at the state level. By requiring an affidavit and a clear timeline, the tribunal ensures that the municipal corporation cannot defer action indefinitely. The six‑month deadline also creates a measurable benchmark for evaluating progress.

Industry observers note that bioremediation is gaining traction as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional mechanical sorting and landfilling. The selected agency will need to employ microbial processes to break down organic components, thereby reducing the overall volume and toxicity before the waste is deposited in sanitary landfills.

Overall, the affidavit marks a decisive step by the Amritsar Municipal Corporation to address a long‑standing environmental challenge. The six‑month target, backed by a formal RFP for bioremediation, provides a clear pathway for the city to meet the National Green Tribunal’s expectations and improve its waste‑management infrastructure.

Source: Hindustan Times