SUPREME COURT ASKS AUTHORITIES TO CONSIDER RESTRICTIONS ON CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES IN NCR: DELHI WASTE PROBLEM

The Supreme Court in the case MC Mehta v. Union of India & Ors., observed and has directed the concerned authorities, which includes the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, MCD to take immediate measures to ensure that the present quantity of untreated municipal solid waste does not increase in Delhi and its surrounding areas till the proper facilities for processing this waste are in place.

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The Court in the case asked the authorities to consider various methods, including putting restraints on construction activities.

The bench comprising of Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan also stated that the generation of untreated solid waste in such huge quantities directly affects the fundamental right of the citizens under Article 21 of the Constitution of India to live in a pollution-free environment.

Previously, the Division bench raised concerns with regards to the non-treatment of 3000 tonnes of Municipal Solid Waste in Delhi.

The Court in the case also highlighted the non-compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. The court in the case observed and has issued a notice to the MCD.

The Court in the case observed that this is a vital issue for the Capital and that this issue should travel beyond politics.

The bench headed by Justice Abhay S. Oka stated that, we are worried about this, what the whole world will say, in the capital city of India 3800 tones of waste being untreated everyday as of 2024. What will happen in 2025?