The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): The Supreme Court on Monday described the situation where 3,800 tonnes of solid waste go untreated daily in Delhi and surrounding areas as “horrible,” emphasizing that it violates citizens’ fundamental right to a pollution-free environment. Highlighting data on solid waste generation and treatment capacity in regions like Gurugram, Faridabad, and Greater Noida, the court noted that the ongoing development in these areas would only exacerbate the problem.
A bench of Justices A S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan stressed the need for immediate action to prevent the accumulation of untreated waste until adequate treatment facilities are established. The court suggested that authorities consider various measures, including restricting construction activities, to manage the waste issue. It directed the secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to convene a meeting of all relevant authorities to devise a solution and present it to the court.
“In the event the authorities fail to come out with any concrete proposals, we will have to consider passing drastic order with a view to take care of the environment in the capital city of Delhi and surrounding areas,” the bench said.
The Supreme Court noted that all concerned parties acknowledged the daily generation of 3,800 tonnes of solid waste within the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) limits, which cannot be treated due to insufficient capacity at existing plants. This situation, described as a “sorry state of affairs,” poses a significant threat to the environment of the capital city.
Calling it a “very vital issue” for Delhi, the bench observed there should be no politics over it. The MCD’s counsel informed the court that treating the excess waste would only be possible by June 2027 when an additional facility is expected to be operational. This means that for the next three years, 3,800 tonnes of untreated waste will continue to accumulate daily.
The court expressed shock over an affidavit from the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, revealing that Gurugram generates 1,200 tonnes of solid waste daily, but has a processing capacity of only 150 tonnes. Similarly, Faridabad produces 1,000 tonnes daily, with a processing capacity of just 240 tonnes.
During the hearing, the court emphasized the urgency of finding a permanent solution. “Otherwise, tell us which category of constructions should we stop in Delhi. We will pass that drastic order,” it stated. The bench expressed concern about the global image of India, asking, “What kind of scenario is this and what signal are we giving to the entire world? We talk about development, we talk about environment. What signal we are giving.”
The court also inquired whether any authority had estimated the future increase in untreated waste in Delhi. The MCD counsel mentioned an expected annual increase of three percent, equivalent to 330 metric tonnes per day, based on the 2041 draft Master Plan of Delhi. The bench scheduled the next hearing for July 26.
Previously, on April 22, the Supreme Court had labeled it “shocking” that 3,000 tonnes of the 11,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste generated daily in Delhi were not processed.
