Mon Feb 24 12:05:09 UTC 2025: **Supreme Court Orders NCR States to Improve Waste Management**
**New Delhi, February 24, 2025** – The Supreme Court of India issued a strong order today demanding improved solid waste management practices in the National Capital Region (NCR), citing critical environmental concerns. The court highlighted the failure of NCR states – Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan – to comply with the 2016 Solid Waste Management Rules.
The justices expressed concern that inadequate waste segregation is undermining even waste-to-energy projects, leading to increased pollution. Amicus curiae Aparajita Singh emphasized the low rates of waste segregation, stating that sending unsegregated waste to processing plants exacerbates the problem.
The court’s order mandates that NCR states submit affidavits by the end of March detailing compliance with the 2016 Rules by all urban local bodies. These affidavits must also include comprehensive waste management plans with timelines and designated agencies. The states are also required to outline their best practices for solid waste management.
Furthermore, the Central Pollution Control Board has been directed to submit a report on the environmental impact of waste-to-energy projects. The court previously warned that if a viable solution to Delhi’s daily 3,000-tonne untreated waste problem isn’t found, it may consider halting construction activities. The court emphasized that proper waste segregation at the source is crucial for environmental protection.
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