Mangaluru-based Aranya, Parisara Mathu Havamana Badalavane Sangha has filed a plea before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Southern Zone, Chennai, urging it to hold the Palakkad railway division and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) accountable under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 and Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.

The Sangha highlighted that both agencies have neglected their responsibilities as waste generators, with litter strewn across railway tracks and highways. As per Rule 4 and Rule 8 of the respective waste management rules, public institutions are obligated to collect, segregate, and dispose of waste generated within their areas—but the ground reality paints a different picture.

The tribunal commended the applicant’s proactive role, especially for their clean-up effort which saw 51 tonnes of waste removed from Kuntikana to Nanthoor last year. This waste, collected in 14 truckloads, was disposed of at the Pachanady dumping yard.

In an RTI reply, NHAI claimed waste bins were placed only at toll plazas, and shifted responsibility to local civic bodies. Meanwhile, the Palakkad railway division provided details of in-station waste management but failed to address waste along the tracks.

The NGT has admitted the case and directed the Sangha to involve major local bodies along the highway. The next hearing is scheduled for July 14.