The Supreme Court has ruled that solid waste management is a collective responsibility, extending beyond sanitation workers to all citizens. In a recent directive, the court emphasized the need for strict measures against bulk waste generators, including large malls, hotels, hospitals, commercial complexes, and sizable residential societies. The court has set a deadline of six weeks for identifying these bulk waste producers. Should they fail to comply with the Solid Waste Management Rules, their electricity and water services will be disconnected.
A bench comprising Justices SVN Bhatti and Justice NV Anjaria issued nationwide guidelines regarding the strict implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules. The bench was hearing appeals arising from the orders of the National Green Tribunal concerning environmental compliance by the municipal corporation under the SWM rules. The Bhopal Municipal Corporation had challenged the order relating to its obligations in handling municipal solid waste. Looking at the enormity of the problem, the top court later expanded the scope nationwide. The Committee will also monitor compliance by the Railways, the Defence Department, Public Sector Undertakings, and other central ministries.
Every waste generator must ensure waste segregation, safe storage, and handover in the prescribed manner, the court said. Failure to comply could lead to action including temporary disconnection of water or electricity supplies, which will be restored only upon submission of a compliance certificate, the court said.
It has been specifically directed to focus on water pollution in rivers caused by municipal solid waste and to present relevant data before the court.
