Supreme Court Raises Alarm Over Untreated Solid Waste Crisis in Delhi

The Supreme Court raised alarm over Delhi's untreated solid waste crisis, noting no solution before 2027 for 11,000 tonnes generated daily. Directing the Centre to collaborate with the Delhi government and MCD, the court emphasized an urgent meeting to prevent a looming public health emergency.

The Supreme Court on Friday expressed grave concern over Delhi's accumulation of untreated solid waste, observing that an effective solution might not be in place until 2027 to handle the 11,000 tonnes generated daily.

A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih directed the Centre to convene a meeting with the Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), including its commissioner, to discuss immediate actions to avoid an emergency.

Expressing concern, the bench remarked that the situation appears dire, without any foreseeable improvement. The court acknowledged that this issue could escalate into a public health emergency. The hearing is scheduled to continue on September 6.