According to a ruling by India’s National Green Tribunal, airlines will now be slapped with a fine of Rs. 50,000 (AUD 1,000) if aeroplanes empty the human waste tank in the air.
The ruling came after a former Army officer approached the tribunal alleging planes were dumping human waste over residential areas near Delhi’s airport. He had informed the tribunal that his house was often splattered with large patches of excreta.
Normally the toilet waste-stored in special tanks- is released only after landing. However, there have been cases of mid-air release of the waste or lavatory leaks.
The tribunal asked India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation to issue a circular to airlines to ensure planes do not release human waste while landing anywhere near the airport terminals, news agency PTI reported.
The tribunal also said violation of the order will attract a fine of Rs. 50,000 as environmental compensation.
The tribunal also asked the DGCA to carry out surprise inspections of aeroplanes after landing to see the waste tanks are not empty.
The petitioner, a retired Lt. General of the Indian Army had sought hefty penalties against airlines for endangering the health of residents.
Earlier, India’s Central Pollution Control Board had analysed the samples of material splattered on the petitioner’s house and concluded it was excreta, but said the source of it was not known.
For the latest news and updates, follow SBS Punjabi on .
