SRINAGAR: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered a fresh inspection into allegations of illegal dumping of municipal, biomedical, and plastic waste at Dangerpora-Padgampora in the tehsil of Awantipora, Pulwama district, near National Highway 44.
The directions were issued by the Principal Bench of the tribunal on February 25, during the hearing of Original Application No. 147/2026, filed by social activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat. The Bench comprised Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, and Expert Member Afroz Ahmad.
In his plea, the applicant alleged that the Municipal Committee (MC) Awantipora was dumping unsegregated solid waste collected from Awantipora town, including waste from Tral and adjoining areas, at the site in an unscientific manner. The application stated that the accumulated waste was emitting foul smells, creating health hazards, and was being burnt at different locations in violation of environmental laws.
The petition further alleged that the dumping site is located near NH-44 and adjacent to Padgampora Nehar, a lift irrigation canal, raising concerns of contamination. Violations of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016 and Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 have been alleged.
Counsel for the applicant, Advocate Saurabh Sharma, placed photographs on record to show the condition of the site. He also referred to an inspection report dated August 14, 2025, by the Jammu Kashmir Pollution Control Committee (JK PCC), which noted that the dumping site had been established without prior consent of the pollution control authority. A show-cause notice was issued by the JK PCC to MC Awantipora on the same date for alleged violations and proposing punitive action.
The tribunal recorded that despite the issuance of the show-cause notice, the alleged illegal dumping continued, and no remedial measures were taken.
Observing that the matter raises substantial issues relating to compliance with environmental norms, the NGT issued notice to the respondents, including the Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir and other concerned authorities. The applicant has been directed to serve the respondents and file an affidavit of service at least one week before the next date of hearing.
The tribunal directed the JK PCC to carry out a fresh inspection to ascertain the quantity of solid waste illegally dumped at the site, determine since when the waste has been lying there, and report on any action taken to remedy the situation. A comprehensive report is to be filed at least one week before the next hearing. Other respondents have also been directed to file their replies within the same timeframe.
In the interim, the NGT directed Respondent No 3, MC Awantipora, to take all possible remedial measures.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on May 13, 2026.
