In a major development in the ongoing proceedings before the Hon'ble National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, New Delhi, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has filed a detailed affidavit in Original Application No. 97 of 2026, filed by Tejasvi Minhas, a social and environmental activist, concerning the environmental violations and continued mismanagement of the Wariana Dumpsite in Jalandhar
The affidavit, filed by Er. Jatinder Soni, Environmental Engineer, Punjab Pollution Control Board, Regional Office, Kapurthala, presents a serious picture of continued non-compliance by the Municipal Corporation, Jalandhar with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
According to the PPCB, despite repeated regulatory proceedings, notices and hearings since 2019, no visible progress has been achieved by the Municipal Corporation in ensuring compliance with environmental laws.
During an official inspection conducted on 7 January 2026, PPCB officers recorded several continuing violations at the Wariana Dumpsite, including:
- No segregation of municipal solid waste before dumping.
- Municipal waste collection vehicles not being compartmentalised.
- Multiple fires burning within the dumpsite.
- Absence of a boundary wall or protective fencing.
- Waste scattered outside the dumpsite onto the approach road.
- No piezometers installed for groundwater monitoring.
- No leachate treatment facility, with leachate stagnating at the site and partially flowing into the sewer.
- Continued illegal dumping of waste along the Kala Sanghian Drain.
In one of the most significant observations contained in the affidavit, the Punjab Pollution Control Board has stated that Municipal Corporation, Jalandhar continues to remain in gross violation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, despite repeated opportunities, statutory notices, hearings and directions issued by the Board as well as earlier directions of the Hon'ble National Green Tribunal.
The affidavit further reveals that Environmental Compensation amounting to ₹9.30 crore has been imposed upon the Municipal Corporation, Jalandhar for violations of environmental laws. However, only ₹90 lakh has been deposited, while ₹8.40 crore remains outstanding.
The matter is now scheduled for hearing before the Hon'ble National Green Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi, on 6 July 2026, where further directions are expected.
Statement by Tejasvi Minhas
"The Punjab Pollution Control Board's affidavit confirms that the concerns raised in my petition were not speculative—they have been independently verified by the State's own environmental regulator. What is particularly alarming is that despite years of notices, hearings and directions, the Municipal Corporation continues to remain in gross violation of the Solid Waste Management Rules. This is not merely an administrative lapse; it reflects a continuing ecological crisis affecting air, water, soil and the lives of thousands of residents living around the dumpsite.
I sincerely hope the Hon'ble National Green Tribunal will now order a comprehensive scientific assessment of the environmental damage caused over the years and issue time-bound directions to restore the environment, protect public health and ensure accountability of all authorities responsible for these continuing violations."
For Media Queries
Tejasvi Minhas
Social & Environmental Activist
Applicant before the Hon'ble National Green Tribunal in O.A. No. 97 of 2026
