LI Network
Published on: 20 August 2023 at 16:20 IST
In a significant move to address environmental concerns, The Delhi High Court has issued a directive to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to take decisive action against non-compliant industrial units and halt illegal garbage dumping in the capital.
Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula, presiding over a Division Bench, undertook suo moto cognizance of the matter following a letter received in July 2019.
The letter highlighted the pollution stemming from the improper disposal of electronic, plastic, and medical waste, along with contamination arising from industrial units situated in villages, particularly Mundka.
The focal point of the complaint was the pollution crisis in Mundka Village, aggravated by the improper disposal of various waste categories, including electronics, plastics, and medical waste. The prevalence of plastic-based businesses in different villages also emerged as a significant concern.
The Court took action on February 7, 2020, issuing notices to concerned parties and subsequently received updates on the progress from the Respondents. Advocate Beenashaw N. Soni represented the Respondents.
The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) reported its efforts, revealing that out of the 41 plastic/PVC units in Ranhola, 13 held valid licenses, while the rest lacked pollution certificates.
SDMC confirmed that these units did not engage in waste burning. Pollution control norms prescribed by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) were adhered to, with licenses issued, penalties imposed, and units sealed as necessary.
The imposition of Environmental Damage Charges (EDC) was also noted. SDMC succeeded in sealing 831 illegal units and overseeing waste disposal.
Regarding areas under the North Delhi Municipal Corporation’s (NDMC) jurisdiction beyond Ranhola, NDMC was directed to provide a status report. NDMC reported taking action against illegal units, issuing closure notices, and confiscating stored plastic on agricultural land.
The report also included efforts against units engaged in the plastic trade and various industrial sectors within different regions.
In the aftermath of the merger, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) submitted comprehensive reports detailing actions taken within its jurisdiction against non-conforming units.
The MCD’s scrutiny extended to waste disposal and pollution control norms regulating industrial establishments. The Court commended the MCD’s commitment to monitoring and rectifying non-compliant industrial practices in areas not designated for industrial purposes, including residential locales.
Taking cognizance of the status report’s contents, the Court noted the MCD’s diligent oversight and control over non-conforming industrial units, both within residential and non-industrial regions.
The petition’s objectives were thus deemed accomplished, and the case was concluded. This directive underscores the court’s proactive stance in safeguarding the environment and fostering responsible industrial practices
