Solid and Liquid Waste Management Under Scanner in Chandigarh

Chandigarh : The Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Chandigarh convened a high-level review meeting to assess the compliance status of Solid and Liquid Waste Management in connection with the directions of the Hon’ble National Green Tribunal (NGT) in matter no. 606/2018, pertaining to “Compliance of Municipal Solid Waste Rules, 2016 and Other Environmental Issues.”

Senior officials who attended the meeting included Mandip Singh Brar, Secretary, Environment and Local Government; Diprava Lakra, Finance Secretary; Saurabh Kumar, Director, Environment; Amit Kumar, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh (MCC); C.B. Ojha, Chief Engineer, Engineering Department; and Sanjay Arora, Chief Engineer, MCC.

During the review, Director Environment-cum-Member Secretary of Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC) presented the current status of wastewater management. It was informed that Chandigarh generates approximately 232 MLD (Million Litres per Day) of wastewater, against a treatment capacity of about 255 MLD, ensuring over 100% coverage. The performance of all sewage treatment plants (STPs) was discussed, and the MCC Commissioner highlighted the steps being taken—including consultations with expert agencies—to ensure that all STPs meet prescribed environmental norms. Weekly monitoring is being conducted to ensure compliance, with efforts underway to prevent any discharge of untreated water into city drains.

Work is also progressing on the expansion of the tertiary treated water distribution network. As coverage increases, new connections are being provided to parks, roundabouts, road berms, kanal houses, institutions, and industrial units to promote the reuse of treated water.

It was further informed that approximately 500 tonnes per day (TPD) of municipal solid waste is generated in Chandigarh, which is collected through door-to-door services using specially designed compartmentalized vehicles. MCC is currently processing the entire waste, and the bio-remediation of legacy waste at the landfill site is underway, with completion expected by July 2025. Leachate from the landfill is being treated at two operational Leachate Treatment Plants (LTPs).

The Chief Secretary issued strict directives to ensure that no untreated wastewater is released into choes or drains, and no solid waste is dumped anywhere within the city limits. Departments were instructed to complete all remaining tasks within stipulated timelines. Action will be taken against violators who fail to comply.

Concerned departments were also directed to intensify surveillance at vulnerable dumping sites, install CCTV cameras in a phased manner, and take action against offenders under the MCC Bye-Laws 2018. Vigilance against the open burning of solid waste is to be strengthened, and MCC has been tasked with ensuring full segregation of waste through surprise inspections. Fines are to be imposed in cases of non-compliance.

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