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21. We find that an identical controversy came up before this Tribunal in Original Application No. 152/2022/EZ (Ankur Sharma Vs. State of West Bengal & Ors.), relating to 'Patipukur Fish Market Owner's Association' and the said Original Application was disposed of by this Tribunal vide its judgment and order dated 13.04.2023 and it has been directed that there shall be a complete ban on use of thermocol in the Fish Market area. In place of thermocol bags, as suggested by the learned Counsel for the parties, in the alternative, jute baskets covered with leaves be used. It was also directed that organic waste composter shall be set-up immediately in the vicinity of the Market to deal with biodegradable waste and the Fish Market shall provide adequate number of cleaning staff inside and outside of the market regularly.

22. We, therefore, direct that in order to maintain uniformity in operations in fish markets, in the present case also, jute or other baskets, other than plastic, may be used for carrying fish to and from the Howrah Wholesale Fish Market and the fish wastes shall be collected by the Market in; (a) jute or other natural organic fibre baskets, and (b) use sal and other leaves as the case may be. Solid waste generated be reused by the Market through recycling as far as possible.

23. The Howrah Wholesale Fish Market shall also provide adequate ventilation, lighting, water supply and drainage system and fish should be sold on platforms and not kept directly on the floors.

24. The Howrah Municipal Corporation shall immediately set-up an organic waste composter in the vicinity of the Fish Market to deal with biodegradable waste. The civic body shall ensure collection of wastes in two different bins viz., one for biodegradable waste and one for non-biodegradable waste. The biodegradable waste should be disposed of in organic composter while the non-biodegradable waste should be recycled as far as possible.

25. The Howrah Municipal Corporation shall ensure that proper drains are constructed with adequate slopes to ensure that there is no concentration or clogging of fish wastes in the drains. Adequate arrangements shall be made for water supply so that fish platforms as well as floors can be cleaned from time to time everyday.

26. The Howrah Municipal Corporation shall also provide a waste disposal site for dealing with municipal waste as per Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.