NGT orders cleanup of 11.5 lakh mt waste at Achan landfill, eyes action against former SMC officials

Srinagar: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Commissioner Owais Ahmad to ensure the clearance of 11.5 lakh metric tons of legacy waste at Achan Saidapora landfill within two years. The tribunal is also considering legal action against eight former SMC commissioners (2017–2025) for mismanaging the site.

The order came on March 20, 2025, in response to a petition by environmental activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat challenging unscientific waste dumping. SMC’s affidavit acknowledged the landfill holds 11 lakh metric tons of legacy waste and receives 550–600 tonnes of waste daily, while its processing capacity is only 150 tonnes per day.

JK Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) Regional Director Abhijeet Joshi informed the tribunal that a ₹12 crore environmental penalty would be imposed on SMC. He also stated that civil action under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, would be initiated against the former commissioners. The tribunal granted JKPCC three weeks to file a formal complaint and ordered a progress report within four weeks.

SMC has committed to operationalising a leachate treatment plant, applying anti-odour chemicals, and planting 3,200 trees to create a green buffer by June 2025. Short-term measures include expanding composting and waste processing, while a long-term plan aims to eliminate landfill dependency by March 2027.

The next hearing is set for July 18, 2025.