New Delhi, Oct 18: In a significant order, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has pulled up authorities over the unscientific dumping of municipal solid waste (MSW) by the Municipal Council Pulwama near Newa village. The dumping site, located on Karewa land surrounded by apple and almond orchards, was flagged in a petition filed by environmental activist Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat.
The Principal Bench comprising Justice Prakash Srivastava and Dr. A. Shenthil Vel (Expert Member) disposed of the case on its first hearing, directing the petitioner to approach the CEO, Municipal Council Pulwama with a detailed representation. The tribunal ordered that, if the grievance is found genuine, the municipal solid waste around the site must be cleared within three months.
The NGT further directed the J&K Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) to inspect the site after three months to verify whether remedial action was taken. It also empowered the JKPCC to impose environmental compensation on the Municipal Council Pulwama if violations continue.
“If the violation is found to be continuing, appropriate action for imposition of environmental compensation will be initiated by respondent number 2 (JKPCC),” the order reads.
Illegal dumping in Karewa land
For years, MC Pulwama had been dumping waste near the Dangerpora locality. After that site became choked, the waste was shifted to Newa village, about five kilometres from the town.
“The area is Karewa land surrounded by apple, plum, and almond orchards. MC Pulwama is openly violating MSW Rules 2016 by dumping mixed waste, burying it under soil, and even burning it in the evenings. We provided clear photo and video evidence to the NGT. This site can’t be developed as a sanitary landfill due to its elevated terrain,” said Advocate Saurabh Sharma, counsel for the petitioner.
Petition highlights health and aviation risks
The petition, filed under Original Application (OA No. 515/2025), accused the Municipal Council of dumping mixed municipal, plastic, and biomedical waste in violation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. The applicant also raised concerns over bird activity near the garbage site — particularly eagles — which could pose a bird-hit threat to aircraft operating in the vicinity.
The NGT order, dated October 13, 2025, stated:
“We are of the view that the grievance which the applicant is raising needs to be looked into by respondent no. 3 – CEO, Municipal Council Pulwama – at the first instance, and if the allegation is found to be correct, expeditious remedial action is required to be taken.”
The tribunal directed the CEO to act within three months of receiving the complaint and instructed the JKPCC to conduct a follow-up inspection to confirm compliance.
