Noida : The Noida Authority has imposed a hefty ₹10 lakh fine on the management of Gulshan Mall for significant lapses in bulk waste management.
What Went Wrong?
Lack of Segregation: The inspection revealed major shortcomings in how waste was handled—waste was not being sorted properly before disposal.
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Unauthorized Handovers: Instead of following regulated disposal practices, the mall’s waste was handed over to unauthorized collectors who openly dumped it by the roadside.
Inadequate Infrastructure: The mall lacked sufficient dustbin arrangements and failed in proper storage and transport of waste.
Violation of Plastic Ban: Inspectors also noted that shopkeepers were using single-use plastic, defying Noida’s outright ban on such materials.
Official Response & Authority’s Stance
Officials involved in the inspection, including Indu Prakash Singh (Officer on Special Duty) and Gaurav (Project Engineer), stated this violation contravenes SWM norms, citing waste management responsibility of bulk waste generators (BWGs) to ensure segregation, on-site processing, and regulated disposal.
Despite repeated reminders and workshops aimed at BWGs, the mall’s management failed to comply. As a result, the fine was levied, accompanied by a strict directive: immediate compliance or face further punitive actions. This action is part of the Noida Authority’s broader participation in the Swachh Survekshan cleanliness campaign—an annual initiative to improve urban sanitation across India.
Why This Matters
Environmental Impact: Open dumping and lack of segregation significantly harm public health, contribute to pollution, and undermine sanitation goals.
SWM Rule Enforcement: This fine underlines enforcement of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, especially toward BWGs, which produce a sizable portion of urban waste.
Behavioral Deterrent: The financial penalty serves as a strong deterrent to noncompliance, encouraging BWGs to adopt sustainable waste practices.
Takeaway
The Noida Authority’s action against Gulshan Mall marks a firm stance in favor of enforcing responsible waste management. For BWGs, the message is clear: Proper segregation and authorized disposal are non-negotiable and non-compliance carries a steep price.