The Supreme Court on Friday asked Delhi’s Lieutenant-Governor to make a collaborative effort with the help of civil society and resident welfare associations to clear the city of its garbage.
A three-judge Bench led by Justice Madan B. Lokur turned to the L-G after previously voicing its exasperation at how garbage is dumped outside the homes of underprivileged families. Justice Lokur had even challenged authorities to dump rubbish outside Raj Niwas, the official residence of the L-G.
The Bench has asked the L-G to look into all the aspects of solid waste management and “not rush into taking a decision”. Instead, the effort should be for an in-depth consideration of the problem which has dogged Delhi for decades, said the Bench.
The court emphasised that the deliberations, including cleaning up of landfill sites at Ghazipur, Okhla and Bhalswa, should be “collaborative” with equal say given to civil society and residents.
“The condition of Delhi is critical… the effect of this garbage on the health and environment is not just confined to Delhi but to neighbouring States. You [the L-G] need the help of the people of Delhi for this,” Justice Lokur noted.
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Pinky Anand, appearing on behalf of the office of L-G, told the Bench that she would discuss the matter with the L-G and come back to the court within a week.
The Bench also asked senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, who is the amicus curiae in the matter, to suggest five names of persons from civil society and experts who could participate in the committee as members.
A recent affidavit filed by the L-G’s office said that Delhi is struggling to contain its daily waste generation. The L-G submitted statistics to show the Supreme Court that lack of land to establish new landfill sites have choked the Capital, which produces 10,200 Tonnes Per Day of municipal solid waste.