For all you ‘throwing-waste-on-the-street’ peeps, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has some serious news. Considering that garbage is a serious pollutant in our country, the NGT has announced a fine of Rs. 10,000 for people littering in public places. 

What’s more, the panel also said that the authorities are under “statutory” obligation to make sure that the waste is “collected, transported and disposed” of in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. 

BREAKING: Now Pay Rs 10,000 As Fine For Throwing Waste In Public Places: NGT pic.twitter.com/P9SDY7wQ14

— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadeja) December 19, 2016

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said, “Any such body, person, hotels, residents, slaughter houses, vegetable markets, etc. which does not comply with the directions or throw their waste over any drain or public place shall be liable to pay environmental compensation at the rate of Rs. 10, 000 per default.” 

© Flickr Miran Rijavec

Just in case you are wondering how much is too much in terms of throwing waste, it was noted by the Tribunal that Delhi generates 9,600 metric tonnes of municipal solid waste per day, so just imagine the state of the entire nation. 

“It should be kept in mind that as per polluter pays principle, each person would be liable to pay for causing pollution, if the waste is generated. It is the duty of a citizen to ensure that said waste is handled properly and not to cause any pollution or cause inconvenience to other persons. The entire burden cannot be shifted on the state and authorities,” the bench added. 

National Green Tribunal Will Now Fine You Rs 10,000 For Throwing Waste In Public Places https://t.co/y1UydnRGSA

— ANISH MATHEW (@anish2007mathew) December 21, 2016

This will force people to think.#Pay Rs 10,000 fine for throwing waste in public place: NGT https://t.co/sZAYAUpFQX

— Arabinda Chakraborty (@arcchakraborty) December 19, 2016

Pay Rs 10k fine for littering in public place: NGT https://t.co/CEVc8zJOSL #india

— Work fromHome Indian (@wfhInd) December 19, 2016

This move comes after hearing a plea related to the terrible conditions near landfill sites because of waste, and how solid waste is being mismanaged in Delhi. So, guys take note, start carrying a poly-bag with you to throw that banana peel, chocolate wrapper, or a empty packs of chips, unless you have a lot of money or are just plain filthy. 

Source: The Times Of India