SC Criticizes Delhi’s Solid Waste Management, Warns of Public Health Risks

The Supreme Court on Friday criticized the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), describing the situation as a “sorry state of affairs” concerning the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules.

The top court warned that the current state of solid waste disposal in Delhi could potentially lead to a public health emergency, with over 3,000 tons of solid waste left untreated daily in the national capital.

A bench comprising Justice AS Oka and Justice AG Masih noted that Delhi generates more than 11,000 tons of solid waste per day, while the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has provided processing plants with a daily capacity of only 8,073 tons.

The bench stated, “We agree with the amicus curiae that this situation could lead to a public health emergency.” They described the current state of implementing the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, in the capital city as deplorable.

The bench instructed the Secretary of the Union Environment Ministry to organize a meeting with officials from the MCD and the Delhi government to devise an immediate solution to the issue.

The matter was scheduled for further hearing on September 6.

The apex court was addressing a case concerning the disposal of solid waste in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR).

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