Title: Court On Its Own Motion v. South Municipal Corporation Of Delhi & Ors.
Decided on: 18th August, 2023
+ W.P.(C) 1280/2020
CORAM: HON’BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE SATISH CHANDRA SHARMA & HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJEEV NARULA
Introduction
The Delhi High Court has issued directives to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to take stringent actions against violating units, prevent illegal dumping, and combat pollution caused by electronic, plastic, and medical waste dumping, as well as industrial units in certain villages, including Mundka. The Court’s suo moto cognizance of the matter was initiated based on a letter received in July 2019, raising concerns about pollution in Mundka Village due to various waste types and growing plastic businesses in various villages.
Facts
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula took notice of the matter in response to a letter highlighting pollution issues related to waste dumping and industrial units. The complainant particularly emphasized pollution caused by electronic, plastic, and medical waste dumping in Mundka Village. The Court issued a notice on February 7, 2020, and received status reports from the Respondents.
Analysis
The Court examined the actions taken by the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) and the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) in response to the pollution concerns. The SDMC reported actions against illegal units and emphasized adherence to pollution control norms set by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). They sealed illegal units, monitored waste disposal, and imposed Environmental Damage Charges (EDC).
The NDMC also reported actions against illegal units and confiscation of stored plastic on agricultural land. It highlighted actions against units involved in the plastic trade and industrial units in various areas.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) reported on areas under its jurisdiction and actions taken against non-conforming units. It demonstrated efforts to regulate waste disposal and industrial units through pollution control norms. The Court noted that the MCD is actively monitoring and enforcing closure of illegal factories operating in non-conforming and residential areas.
Held
Based on the reports from various municipal bodies, the Court found that actions were being taken to address the pollution concerns raised in the letter. The Court recognized the efforts made by SDMC, NDMC, and MCD in regulating and monitoring non-conforming industrial units and waste disposal. As a result, the petition was disposed of.
Conclusion
The Delhi High Court’s proactive approach in addressing environmental concerns and directing municipal bodies to take necessary actions showcases its commitment to combat pollution and ensure the proper enforcement of pollution control norms and regulations.
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Written by- Ankit Kaushik
