Hyderabad: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued fresh directives to resolve the long-standing waste management crisis at Hyderabad's Jawaharnagar Landfill (JLH), emphasizing urgent action to prevent environmental damage.

The tribunal ordered the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to immediately construct additional leachate wells to contain contaminated discharge from the 125-acre capped landfill site. Expressing concern over potential water pollution, the NGT observed, “Since the capped area is more than 125 acres, if the leachate is allowed to spread from the area without being treated scientifically, even if the lands are reclaimed later, it cannot be put to appropriate use, besides polluting the downstream water bodies."

During the hearing, the NGT noted that despite its previous orders, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had failed to implement a concrete solution. The tribunal directed the CPCB Chairman to personally oversee coordination between authorities and IIT Bombay experts to develop a scientifically sound waste management plan.

“Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) – Bombay, in its report dated July 2023, concluded that the emission of foam, gas, and leachate from the Jawaharnagar Landfill, Hyderabad (JLH), is indicative of the ongoing decomposition of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). Consequently, biomining was not recommended," observed NGT.

The NGT questioned CPCB's recent proposal for a new study by IIT-Roorkee, observing that the environmental compensation fund should not finance repetitive studies without justification.

NGT directs GHMC to build leachate wells

The GHMC also faced criticism for missing multiple deadlines, including its failure to submit a Detailed Project Report for remediation within the stipulated six-month period. With the case pending since 2021, the tribunal emphasized the need for a replicable solution that could guide other cities facing similar challenges.

In its latest order, NGT directed GHMC that “We direct the GHMC to address this issue of creating additional leachate wells and contain it within the capped area and not allow it to flow outside the same and come up with a solution, which could be a model for other states to follow."