NGT pulls up BMC over incomplete report on 50 illegal plastic recycling units
   Date :31-Oct-2026
 
NGT pulls up BMC over incomplete report
 
 
Staff Reporter :
National Green Tribunal (NGT) has pulled up the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) for failing to provide details of action against illegal plastic recycling units, enforcement of the single-use plastic ban and e-waste disposal. During a hearing on Thursday, the Tribunal said the corporation’s compliance report did not adequately address the issues raised in the petitions and directed it to submit a detailed response.
The hearing concerned a suo motu case registered by the tribunal (OA No. 189/2025) and a petition filed by Anil Kumar Verma (OA No. 37/2026), which were heard together. The bench, comprising Justice Shiv Kumar Singh and expert member Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi, examined the BMC's compliance report dated September 9, 2026, and questioned its adequacy.
 
Details of action against 50 units sought: The Tribunal sought details of action taken against 50 illegal plastic recycling units operating in Bhopal. It also asked the civic body to report steps taken to enforce the ban on single-use plastic and ensure proper disposal of e-waste. The bench observed that the report lacked sufficient details on enforcement of the plastic ban.
Tribunal flags environmental risks: NGT highlighted environmental damage caused by plastic waste, noting that discarded plastic persists in environment and breaks down into smaller particles that can affect soil and water sources. Chemicals released from plastic waste in landfills can seep into groundwater, while surface runoff can carry pollutants into rivers and lakes.
 
Four Weeks To File Detailed Report: A counsel for the State
Government told the tribunal that information was being collected from the departments concerned. The bench directed the authorities to compile the required data and file a comprehensive response within four weeks, before the next hearing. Copies of the report must also be provided to the other parties.
 
 
Other respondents asked to file replies: The tribunal directed respondents 3, 4 and 5 in Verma's petition to file their replies. Respondent 12 referred to a 2018 petition pending before the Jabalpur bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court concerning similar issues in Gwalior. The NGT directed that a copy of the petition be shared with the other parties to enable arguments on the maintainability of the proceedings.
Compliance with earlier orders sought: The tribunal also sought details of compliance with its earlier directions. Respondents who have not filed their replies must submit compliance reports on the order dated January 21, 2026. The matter will next be heard on January 7, 2027.