The Supreme Court has called for strict nationwide enforcement of solid waste management laws, stressing that responsibility for waste disposal does not rest solely with sanitation workers. Every citizen, institution and commercial establishment must play a role in managing solid waste responsibly, the court observed.
A division bench comprising Justices S V N Bhatti and N V Anjaria was hearing a case related to solid waste management when the issue of major waste-generating establishments came under discussion. The court said authorities must identify locations producing large quantities of solid waste and take firm action when waste management rules are violated.
Shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, large residential complexes, hospitals and commercial buildings were specifically highlighted. According to the court's directions, establishments generating substantial quantities of waste and failing to comply with waste management regulations may face disconnection of their water and electricity supplies. Authorities have been asked to identify such establishments within six weeks.
The court also stressed the need to segregate solid waste at source and ensure that it is processed and disposed of according to the law. Digital systems should be used to strengthen monitoring and enforcement, it said.
The proceedings stem from a solid waste management case involving the Bhopal Municipal Corporation. The matter had earlier reached the National Green Tribunal, whose directions were challenged before the Supreme Court.
The court-appointed monitoring committee has also been directed to coordinate with state chief secretaries and district magistrates to identify major waste generators and ensure compliance. Schools and higher education institutions have been urged to introduce waste-management education and training programmes to build awareness among students and teachers.
