The Ghaziabad civic body is considering taking strict actions against integrated societies that violate waste management norms. They might communicate with the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) to potentially revoke the completion certificates of such societies. This move highlights the seriousness of waste management regulations and the commitment to enforcing them. The potential cancellation of completion certificates serves as a deterrent to encourage integrated societies to adhere to proper waste disposal practices and contribute to a cleaner environment. About 66 Vaishali and Vasundhara societies now manage waste independently.
In a bid to ensure strict compliance with Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules of 2016, the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation (GMC) has initiated a comprehensive inspection of integrated townships that are considered bulk waste generators. Two dedicated teams, comprising 12 officials each, have been dispatched to assess adherence to waste management regulations.
The GMC's efforts reflect growing concerns about the improper disposal of waste in integrated townships, particularly those falling under the Ghaziabad Development Authority's (GDA) jurisdiction. Authorities have expressed the possibility of recommending the cancellation of completion certificates for integrated societies that are found to be violating waste management norms.
Under the SWM Rules, all establishments, including residential societies, hotels, restaurants, buildings, and shops generating over 100 kg of civic waste daily, are mandated to establish processing plants for the segregation of wet and dry garbage. However, numerous integrated townships, including Crossings Republik and Raj Nagar Extension, have reportedly failed to comply with these rules. Some of these townships have even outsourced waste disposal to third-party companies, adding to the burden on the GMC.
Mithilesh Kumar, the GMC health officer, stated, "Many of these integrated townships, including some under the GDA's jurisdiction, have shown a lack of adherence to waste management rules. Some have yet to establish their own processing units, leading us to manually collect waste door-to-door in these areas."
It is estimated that government offices, facilities such as the Indian Air Force (IAF), railway stations, and integrated townships collectively generate 150-200 metric tonnes of waste daily. The city's total daily waste production amounts to approximately 1,400 metric tonnes. Door-to-door waste collection involves 330 vehicles, which transport waste to 31 secondary collection centres. From there, waste is transported to GMC processing plants for further management.
GMC's crackdown comes after previously imposing fines on non-compliant societies. Ujjwal Mishra, president of the Federation of Crossings Republik Apartment Owners' Association, highlighted that societies within the township had been fined for not adopting waste management systems. Instead of paying the penalties, these societies opted to engage a waste collection agency.
Nitin Gaur, the municipal commissioner, confirmed that ground teams are actively inspecting residential bulk waste generators, primarily integrated townships. The inspection reports are expected to be submitted within a week. Additionally, the GMC has contacted the GDA to assess waste disposal methods in colonies under its purview. Gaur remarked, "We have received complaints that the GMC is dealing with garbage from colonies under the GDA's jurisdiction."
Societies found in violation of SWM Rules could face severe consequences. Gaur warned that societies without completion certificates could be subject to environmental compensation, potentially leading to legal action against builders responsible for the violations.
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