Consider constituting panel to frame policy on solid waste management: SC to LG

Satya Prakash

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 17

The Supreme Court on Friday asked Delhi Lt Governor to consider constituting an expert panel to frame a policy to deal with the solid waste management crisis.

A Bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur said officials from various civic bodies and representatives from civil society should be part of the panel which will recommend measures to deal with garbage disposal problem in the National Capital.

”The committee is being constituted to look into all aspects of solid waste management in Delhi, including cleaning of dumps, including Okhla. The committee should also have expert members of civil society and also officials. The committee should not rush into decisions,” said the Bench, which also included Justice Deepak Gupta.

The Bench asked amicus curiae Colin Gonsalves to nominate members from civil society to the panel.

Agreeing with the Bench, Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand said she would revert on August 22. However, she cautioned against having too many members.

The Bench made it clear that the panel should be broad-based.

“Ad hoc measures may not be enough.... In our opinion issue of solid waste management will need cooperation of all in Delhi,” the Bench said. 

So far the Bench was not convinced with the efforts of the three civic bodies of Delhi in dealing with the crisis.

Only 50% of 3,600 tonnes garbage generated everyday in south Delhi is processed and 1,800 tonnes was thrown at the landfill site on daily basis. The situation in North and East Delhi was even worse where mountains of garbage could be seen from few kilometers away and the stench remains unbearable.