The Supreme Court of India recently expressed grave concerns over the state of solid waste management in Delhi, pulling up the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) after reviewing an affidavit that promised the clearance of untreated solid waste by December 2027.  

A bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan criticized the delay, stating, “You are saying this illegality will continue until December 2027. Just see the brazen manner in which this affidavit has been filed.” The Court also demanded clarity on the handling of the 3,000 tonnes of untreated waste generated daily.  

Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy, representing the MCD, informed the bench that the waste is currently being transported to landfill sites at Bhalswa and Ghazipur. She also referred to a previous judgment by a bench led by Justice Gavai regarding a waste treatment plant that could address these issues. Guruswamy assured the Court that comprehensive submissions on solid waste management would be made on January 27.  

Addressing the Union government, Justice Oka remarked, “The Union of India cannot shut its eyes. We propose to pass an order restricting new constructions. Drastic measures are necessary as the waste problem may worsen, increasing from 3,000 tonnes to 5,000 tonnes daily in the coming years.” Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Union, informed the Court that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is coordinating with stakeholders and will submit a detailed affidavit.  

In a previous hearing, the Supreme Court had directed the Delhi government and the MCD to report compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. On December 19, while expressing dissatisfaction over the authorities’ failure to adhere to these rules, the Court summoned the Chief Secretary of Delhi via video conferencing. The bench, also comprising Justice Manmohan, warned that non-compliance with its orders dated November 11, 2024, could result in action under the Contempt of Courts Act.  

Senior Advocate Aprajita Singh, serving as Amicus Curiae, expressed shock that the Chief Secretary had failed to compile relevant data in a month. The Court extended its scrutiny to the Greater Noida Development Authority, instructing it to submit a compliance affidavit on the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules by January 31, 2025.  

“We are addressing all issues concerning the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 by the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority. For now, we request the National Green Tribunal to refrain from intervening in this matter,” the Court stated.  

The order also referenced earlier proceedings in the MC Mehta case related to pollution in Delhi-NCR. On December 5, the Supreme Court had eased Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) measures from Stage IV to Stage II while directing the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to integrate additional measures from Stage III.  

The Court’s remarks underscore the urgent need for accountability and action in addressing Delhi’s escalating waste management crisis.