The Court directed the Delhi government to submit a more comprehensive affidavit, which should also address measures taken to prevent fires caused by the illegal dumping of waste, particularly at the Ghazipur and Bhalswa sites.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court expressed grave concern on Thursday (19th Dec) regarding the growing solid waste crisis in Delhi and called on the Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to clarify the extent to which they have adhered to the timelines set under the 2016 rules for waste management.
A bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih was hearing a case related to Delhi’s air pollution and associated matters. Recently, the Court had focused on the mismanagement of solid waste in the city during hearings on this case.
The Court questioned the Delhi government and the MCD about their compliance with the solid waste management timelines outlined in the 2016 rules.
Justice Oka remarked, “In the MCD area, 3,000 metric tonnes of waste is going untreated daily. By 2027, that figure will reach 6,000 metric tonnes… Chief Secretary, please file an affidavit honestly detailing which of the prescribed timelines have been met and which have not.”
The Court directed the Delhi government to submit a more comprehensive affidavit, which should also address measures taken to prevent fires caused by the illegal dumping of waste, particularly at the Ghazipur and Bhalswa sites.
“It is with some sadness that we note that in the capital, 3,000 tonnes of solid waste is generated every day, and it cannot be treated, leading to illegal dumping,” the Court observed. It also hinted at potentially halting certain development activities if necessary to control the generation of solid waste.
During the hearing, a disagreement arose between the MCD’s counsel and the Amicus Curiae regarding whether enough was being done to tackle the waste crisis.
Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy, representing the MCD, noted that the plants intended to address the issue were stalled due to litigation before a bench led by Justice Gavai.
Amicus Curiae Archana Dave responded, criticizing the MCD for failing to make progress, noting the lack of change in the waste situation since the previous affidavit.
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Guruswamy objected to this criticism, calling it unfair. The Court, acknowledging the severity of the situation, urged the authorities to focus on taking corrective action rather than engaging in heated debates.
The Court expressed particular concern about the 3,800 tonnes of untreated waste being dumped at the Ghazipur and Bhalswa sites and urged the Delhi government to implement measures to prevent fires at these locations. The Court emphasized the need for the authorities to address the issue sincerely.
The Delhi government has been ordered to submit its affidavit by January 27. The case also covers other issues, including measures to curb stubble-burning and restrictions on firecracker use. The Court had previously suggested the consideration of a permanent firecracker ban in Delhi.
