The Supreme Court, expressing grave concern over Delhi’s handling of solid waste, has pulled up the city’s administration for generating 3,000 tonnes of untreated waste daily. A bench comprising Justices A.S. Oka and Augustine George Masih termed the situation as “a shocking state of affairs” and demanded an explanation from the Delhi government, questioning the compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016. The bench underscored that the issue had reached a critical stage due to inadequate efforts to meet prescribed timelines.
The court reprimanded the Delhi Chief Secretary for failing to file a compliance affidavit regarding waste management. It questioned whether halting certain developmental activities could be a necessary step to address the issue. “If there is a gap of 3,000 metric tonnes of untreated solid waste daily, should Delhi not consider halting some developmental activities?” asked the bench. The judges also expressed dismay at the bureaucratic response, noting, “The Chief Secretary’s handling of this issue is surprising. He appears indifferent to this court’s orders.”
The bench directed the Chief Secretary to submit a revised affidavit by January 27, 2025, clearly detailing compliance with the 2016 rules. “No cover-up will be accepted,” the court warned, emphasizing the importance of accountability in waste management.
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The problem of untreated waste is further exacerbated by illegal dumping at the Ghazipur and Bhalswa landfill sites. The court noted that approximately 3,800 tonnes of untreated waste is being deposited daily at these sites, with frequent reports of fires adding to environmental hazards. The Delhi government was urged to take immediate steps to prevent such illegal activities and introduce measures to stop fires at these locations.
The bench expressed disappointment that innovative strategies to manage municipal waste were still lacking. “The government must bridge the gap in waste management practices and address this environmental disaster effectively,” the court stated.
Highlighting the need for collaboration, the court directed all stakeholders, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, to convene and prepare a unified action plan. A meeting was ordered to align efforts and finalize timelines for implementing the Solid Waste Management Rules. The stakeholders were instructed to submit a joint report to the court by January 15, 2025, outlining specific measures and deadlines for compliance.
The bench had earlier directed the Chief Secretary on November 11 to convene a meeting with stakeholders to address the solid waste management issue. The court expressed regret that despite clear directives, little progress had been made. “If the city’s administration fails to act, the court may have no option but to consider restricting some developmental activities to curb waste generation,” it cautioned.
The court’s observations underscored the urgency of finding sustainable and innovative solutions to tackle Delhi’s waste crisis. It lamented the lack of proactive measures and called for immediate action to comply with the rules. The Delhi government was reminded of its responsibility to address the environmental and public health impacts of untreated waste and illegal dumping.
In summation, the Supreme Court’s stern stance reflects the critical need for accountability and action in waste management. The upcoming affidavits and collaborative measures will determine whether Delhi can address its mounting waste problem effectively.
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