Karnataka generates 12,701 tonnes per day (TPD) of waste across 316 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), but processes only 10,031 TPD — a deficit of 2,670 TPD.
New Delhi: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the State of Karnataka over continued lapses in both solid and liquid waste management, despite years of directives and regular monitoring.
The matter was taken up in light of Supreme Court orders in the landmark cases of Almitra H. Patel vs. Union of India (2014) concerning solid waste and Paryavaran Suraksha vs. Union of India (2017) regarding sewage treatment.
During the hearing, the Tribunal reviewed the Chief Secretary’s report dated February 6, 2025, which presented the status of compliance as of January. Senior state officials also made a virtual presentation.
Despite nearly two years of reporting, the Tribunal found that Karnataka has failed to implement an executable, statewide action plan to close the gaps in waste management.
According to the NGT, Karnataka generates 12,701 tonnes per day (TPD) of waste across 316 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), but processes only 10,031 TPD — a deficit of 2,670 TPD.
It said among 315 ULBs, the unprocessed dry waste amounts to 881 TPD, wet waste 219 TPD, and construction and demolition (C&D) waste 302 TPD.
The Tribunal noted that certain ULBs, including Boragaon, Gokak, and Mysuru, claim 100% waste processing. However, they must confirm whether any legacy waste remains.
The situation is particularly critical in Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), where there is a 3,000 TPD gap in C&D waste processing. Unprocessed waste is reportedly ending up in quarries or landfills, with only 845 TPD of wet waste currently being addressed through ongoing tenders.
The Tribunal also raised alarm over the findings from Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) tests, which revealed the presence of leachable toxicants in disposed inert waste — posing a threat to groundwater contamination. The NGT has ordered continuous groundwater monitoring near major dumping sites.
Furthermore, Karnataka still holds 67.72 lakh metric tonnes of unremediated legacy waste across 192 sites, with BBMP alone responsible for 58.89 lakh metric tonnes spread across nine locations.
The Tribunal directed that no fresh unprocessed waste should be added to already burdened sites. It also highlighted major gaps in sewage treatment across the state. It said there is an overall shortfall of 2,068.47 million litres per day (MLD) in sewage treatment across 316 ULBs.
BBMP alone has a gap of 603 MLD, while the remaining 315 ULBs collectively account for a 1,170.93 MLD gap.
Several Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) are either non-functional, or failing to meet fecal coliform standards. Additionally, 38.51 MLD of designed STP capacity remains non-operational.
The Tribunal has directed the state to furnish detailed performance reports for STPs operated by private institutions, as well as clarify how 380 MLD of sewage is currently being treated and disposed of.
