NGT directs Hamirpur MC to clear 10,000 MT Legacy waste by February 2026
New Delhi, Oct 29,
Municipal corporation hamirpur will have to completely clear 10,000 metric tonnes of legacy waste lying in Dughneri site by February next year 2026. This was directed by National Green Tribunal in a directive.
The order was passed in Rita Sharma & Ors. vs. State of Himachal Pradesh & Ors., where the Tribunal noted that despite earlier directions, only a small fraction of the accumulated waste had been remediated so far.
Taking serious note of the delay, the NGT recorded an affidavit submitted by the Commissioner of Hamirpur Municipal Corporation, outlining a detailed action plan to complete the waste clearance within the stipulated timeframe.
According to the affidavit, the Corporation has undertaken a two-fold approach—daily waste management and legacy waste processing—to ensure both current and old waste are effectively managed.
Daily Waste Management: The Municipal Corporation will fully process around 17 metric tonnes of fresh waste generated daily through composting, bio-methanation, piggery units, and dry waste segregation. This is aimed at preventing the creation of any new legacy waste.
Legacy Waste Clearance: The Corporation will deploy two separator machines capable of handling 200–250 metric tonnes per day to process the existing waste. Recyclable materials will be sent to authorized recyclers, while refuse-derived fuel (RDF) fractions will be supplied to paper mills. The remaining inert materials will be used as landfill cover.
Infrastructure Upgrades: To support this initiative, the Corporation has proposed installing new compost pits, overhead sheds, leachate management systems, and power supply augmentation to ensure uninterrupted operation.
The Commissioner has also given a formal undertaking to the Tribunal, assuring completion of the task within the set deadline and submission of periodic progress reports to monitor implementation.
Further, the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board (HPPCB) has been directed to inspect the Dughneri site immediately after February 10, 2026, to verify compliance and submit its findings to the Tribunal.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.