The recent observation by the Supreme Court highlights the daily accumulation of 3000 metric tons of Municipal Solid Waste in Delhi that remains unprocessed. This raises significant concerns, particularly regarding the apparent non-compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016.

Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, presiding over the bench, were reviewing a report submitted by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) concerning the national capital and its neighboring regions. This report was in response to previous directives from the court. Subsequently, an order was issued, primarily based on the findings of the report, addressing various aspects pertinent to the matter at hand.

Considering the contents of the CAQM report, the court expressed profound shock and disappointment regarding the management of Solid Waste in the national capital, especially given that the 2016 Rules have been in effect for the past eight years.

In response to the observed non-compliance, the court issued notices to the New Delhi Municipal Corporation and Cantonment Board, Delhi. Senior Advocate Wasim A Qadri, representing the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, was directed to seek instructions from the Department regarding this matter.

The court additionally instructed both the Union government, specifically its Urban Development Department, and the Delhi government to convene a meeting involving all relevant authorities responsible for implementing the 2016 Rules, including the aforementioned three entities. They are tasked with formulating a comprehensive action plan to address the issue, which must be presented to the court for review.

Furthermore, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has been directed to submit a detailed report specifically addressing the non-compliance with the 2016 Rules in Delhi. This comprehensive report is expected to provide insights into the extent of non-compliance and help in devising effective strategies to rectify the situation.

The matter, on this aspect, will be heard on May 13.

Case Title: MC Mehta v. Union of India & Ors.,

WP(C) No. 13029/1985

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