Hubballi
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) panel chief, Justice Subhash Adi, has set a two-month deadline for the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) to improve cleanliness across the twin cities. Chairing a review meeting, he instructed the HDMC Commissioner to submit an affidavit affirming his commitment to building a clean and green city.
Justice Adi highlighted the urgency of tackling environmental and civic challenges, stressing that dust, poor garbage management, and biomedical waste pose serious health risks beyond aesthetic concerns. Dust worsens respiratory issues, while unmanaged waste fosters pests and disease. He also flagged “garbage black spots,” where waste is consistently dumped, creating unsanitary conditions that degrade both the environment and residents’ quality of life.
Another major issue he raised was footpath encroachment, which forces pedestrians onto busy roads, increasing accident risks and reducing walkability. Justice Adi described the conversion of footpaths into private properties as a violation requiring strict enforcement of urban planning rules.
He further directed HDMC to take stringent measures against such encroachments and ensure that premises like temples, marriage halls, and public spaces remain plastic-free.
The panel’s directive and two-month ultimatum underscore the need for immediate, coordinated action from the civic body to resolve longstanding issues of waste management, pedestrian safety, and environmental protection in Hubballi-Dharwad.
