Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Sep 29: The state high court has warned Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) that it may have to take drastic measures like staying new constructions within the city corporation limits if it fails to initiate suitable measures within a fixed time frame for the disposal of solid waste.

The warning came when the case relating to the grave problems that have arisen in Pachanadi, Kudupu and Mandara areas due to the landslide of the huge pile of solid waste at the disposal unit located at Pachanadi came up for consideration before a division bench of the high court presided by Chief Justice A S Oka. This public interest litigation has been filed by Karnataka Legal Services Authority.

The bench heard arguments and counter arguments in the case which came up for consideration on Monday September 28. The bench said that if the city corporation fails to take suitable steps to address the waste disposal problem and if it fails to implement measures to fall in line with solid waste management rules - 2016, the high court may have to restrain the city corporation from issuing licences for the construction of new buildings within the city limits.

"As per the information furnished by the government, everyday, over 200 metric tonnes of solid waste is being illegally and unscientifically disposed off. Therefore, we direct the city corporation to inform us of the quantity of solid waste produced in the city everyday from 2017-18 till date and how many licences have been issued to new buildings during this period," the bench stated.

The high court also wanted to know whether the corporation plans to appoint National Environmental Engineering Research Institute to get advice and guidance towards finding a solution to the solid waste management problem of the city. It also directed to explain why steps have not been initiated so far against the erring officials. The hearing has now been adjourned to October 12.