City-based social and environmental activist Tejasvi Minhas has filed an Original Application before the Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), New Delhi, alleging large-scale violations of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 at the Wariana dump site in Jalandhar.
The matter, registered as Original Application No. 97/2026, was listed for hearing on February 10, 2026.
According to the applicant, the Wariana site—described as the oldest dumping ground in Jalandhar—currently contains approximately 20 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste, forming what has been termed a “mountain of garbage.” It has been alleged that the Municipal Corporation, Jalandhar, continues to deposit nearly 500–700 tonnes of unsegregated municipal solid waste at the site on a daily basis, further aggravating the environmental burden.
The application states that the waste being dumped comprises mixed and unsegregated dry and wet waste, including domestic, commercial, recyclable, non-recyclable, medical and bio-hazardous materials. It has further been alleged that transportation of waste is being carried out in non-compartmentalized and uncovered vehicles, contrary to prescribed norms, a concern that has reportedly been flagged on multiple occasions by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB).
The plea contends that the dump site has exceeded its intended capacity and is operating in violation of environmental and pollution control standards. The applicant has raised concerns regarding leachate generation, emission of toxic fumes, proliferation of insects and rodents, and the potential contamination of soil, groundwater and air, adversely impacting the health and quality of life of residents in nearby areas.
During the hearing held on February 10, 2026, the NGT issued notices to the respondents, including the State of Punjab, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Municipal Commissioner, Jalandhar, Divisional Commissioner, Jalandhar, Member Secretary of the Punjab Pollution Control Board, and the Additional Chief Secretary, Local Bodies, Punjab.
The applicant has sought immediate directions to halt further dumping of waste at the Wariana site and to initiate remedial measures in accordance with environmental laws.
The matter is now listed for further hearing on March 17, 2026.
