The Supreme Court on Monday came down heavily on the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi government over mismanagement of untreated solid waste in the capital city. The court called the situation in Delhi "horrible" and asked MCD to explain how it plans to deal with nearly 3,000 metric tonnes of solid waste that lie untreated in the city.
The bench slammed the MCD for its lax approach and said that the issue must travel beyond politics and asked for intervention by the Centre.
The apex court was hearing a matter pertaining to processing of municipal solid waste in Delhi. These scathing observations came after the bench asked the MCD that when will there be a facility set up to deal with 3000 tones of solid waste.
"When will the processing start? Please tell us the date? We are asking a simple question, we want a simple answer?" the bench asked.
The court was told that it will take three years.
On this submission the court asked, "So, till 2027 every day 3000 waste will be generated? Who is the highest officer? We will summon."
Senior Advocate Menaka Guruswamy appearing for the MCD said they would increase capacity within 3 years and 4 plants are stuck in litigation.
Justice Oka however was not satisfied and said "we want simple answers for simple questions!"
The bench pulled up the city authorities and Delhi government and asked what have they done to deal with this problem of solid waste management.
"You talk about development? This is the capital city. What will the whole world say? Tell us what you will do for the situation now, answer this simple question. We will summon the highest corporation officer. Nobody is bothered! Union should hold a meeting to ensure this 3800 is not increased further and tackle the issue."