The Supreme Court criticized the Municipal Corporation of Delhi for the untreated solid waste problem, revealing over 3,000 tonnes remain unprocessed daily, with a resolution expected by December 2027. The court warned of drastic measures if action isn’t taken and demanded accountability for waste disposal, emphasizing the need for urgent intervention and better coordination.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday (Jan 17th) strongly criticized the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for the ongoing issue of untreated solid waste in the national capital. The court was shocked to learn that over 3,000 tonnes of solid waste remain untreated daily, with the MCD stating in its affidavit that it would take until December 2027 to address the issue.
A bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan expressed severe displeasure, remarking,
“What is happening in the national capital? This heap of garbage will remain till 2027. What is this? The Union of India cannot shut its eyes. This is blatant in the national capital.”
Court’s Warning on Drastic Measures
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The bench did not hold back, warning that if necessary, it might pass drastic orders such as halting construction activities in Delhi to mitigate the problem. The court also questioned where the untreated waste was being dumped.
The MCD’s counsel explained that the waste was being sent to landfill sites at Bhalswa and Ghazipur. However, the bench found the affidavit inadequate and demanded more accountability, stating,
“You must file an affidavit stating where you are dumping these 3,000 tonnes of untreated solid waste every day.”
Escalating Waste Crisis
The court raised concerns that the daily 3,000 tonnes of untreated waste could rise to 5,000 tonnes in the coming year if immediate action was not taken. “This cannot continue in Delhi,” the bench stated, calling for urgent intervention.
Senior advocate Aparajita Singh, acting as an amicus curiae, pointed out the lack of coordination between the Delhi government and the Centre in tackling the crisis. To this, the bench responded, “We will make them sit together” and urged the Centre to take a proactive role in resolving the issue.
Prior Criticism of Agencies
The apex court has previously flagged the “complete failure” of agencies in implementing the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. It emphasized that these rules must be implemented in true letter and spirit to address the mounting garbage issue in Delhi.
The court highlighted that Delhi generates over 11,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, while the current processing plants can only handle 8,073 tonnes per day, leaving a significant gap.
Next Hearing Scheduled
The bench will further review the MCD’s affidavit and the issue of solid waste management on January 27. The Supreme Court made it clear that
“Don’t compel us to pass some harsh directions. Such issues will have to be dealt with in a drastic manner.”
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