SC slams MCD, Centre over untreated solid waste

As Delhi struggles to deal with the problem of untreated solid waste, the Supreme Court on Friday slammed the Centre and the MCD over an affidavit filed by the civic body that said untreated solid waste in the national capital would be dealt with by December 2027.

“You don’t say where the 3,000 tonnes of untreated solid waste goes. You have made a tall promise that by 2027 it will be cleared, and you have not accounted for 3,000 tonnes of dumping. You must file an affidavit stating where you’re dumping 3,000 tonnes of solid waste every day because the affidavit is completely silent. Just see the brazen manner in which the affidavit is filed,” a Bench led by Justice AS Oka said after perusing the MCD’s affidavit.

The Bench was upset to note that the MCD’s affidavit was not clear as to where the 3,000 tonnes of untreated waste was being dumped daily. It expressed concern that till the time the waste was treated, 3,000 tonnes will be added daily.

“What is happening in the national capital? We are shocked to read this affidavit which says that it will take time till December 2027 to clear it,” said the Bench which has been pulling up the authorities over poor implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.

It said the Central Government can’t shut its eyes to the rising solid waste management issues in the Capital.

“How can the Union of India remain silent? What action does it want to take? The Union of India cannot close its eyes. They should take action against whosoever is not performing. In the capital city this is happening. What we propose to do is that we will pass an order putting restrictions on new constructions,” the Bench said.

The top court warned that it might order a stay on construction activities across Delhi to mitigate the situation, if there was no immediate action.

As the MCD counsel said the untreated waste was being dumped at landfill sites at Bhalswa and Ghazipur, the Bench was dissatisfied with this temporary solution and the extended timeline. It asked the MCD to file a detailed affidavit explaining how thousands of tonnes of solid waste was being dumped each day.

Amicus curiae Aparajita Singh said lack of coordination between the Delhi Government and the Centre was a major roadblock in addressing the issue.

“This cannot continue in Delhi,” the Bench said, posting the matter for further hearing on January 27.