Source-Level Waste Separation Crucial for Improved Waste Management: SC Ruling

The Supreme Court has taken a decisive step towards addressing the issue of solid waste management in the National Capital Region (NCR), which includes Delhi and certain districts of neighbouring Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

In a hearing on January 27, the top court expressed concern over the growing problem of untreated solid waste, with approximately 3,000 tonnes generated every day in Delhi. The bench has warned that if there is no real solution to tackle this issue, it may consider passing drastic orders to stop certain construction activities.

The Court has directed the National Capital Region (NCR) states to clarify their compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 by the end of March. This directive comes as a response to the non-compliance with these rules affecting all cities in the country. The urban local authorities in Delhi and neighbouring states are expected to fully enforce these rules without delay.

The Supreme Court has also asked the states to set out a comprehensive plan for waste management, including timelines and implementing agencies. The authorities were asked to outline the "best practices" they propose to follow for solid waste management.

Amicus curiae Aparajita Singh highlighted the low percentage of waste segregation and the sending of unsegregated waste to waste-to-energy plants, causing more pollution. The top court noted that if there is no proper segregation of waste, even waste-to-energy projects may create more pollution.

The Central Pollution Control Board has been directed to submit a report on the impact of waste-to-energy projects on the environment. The matter will be taken up for further hearing after the affidavits are filed.

It is important to note that the directives issued by the Supreme Court are solely focused on the issue of solid waste management and do not relate to any orders for the NCR states to file affidavits dealing with the compliance of all urban local bodies with the provisions of the 2016 rules by the end of March, as previously reported.

The Court's actions underscore the urgency of addressing the issue of solid waste management in the NCR, with the aim of protecting the environment and ensuring the health and safety of its residents.