Supreme Court Directs NCR States on Waste Segregation Compliance

The Supreme Court of India emphasized the critical need for waste segregation at the source, labeling it as 'vital' for environmental health during a recent hearing. The court directed states in the National Capital Region (NCR) to submit affidavits by the end of March detailing their compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016. Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan raised concerns about the impact of non-compliance on smart city initiatives and the pollution generated by waste-to-energy projects due to improper waste segregation. Amicus curiae Aparajita Singh highlighted that sending unsegregated waste to these plants increases pollution levels. The court also instructed the Central Pollution Control Board to assess the environmental effects of waste-to-energy operations. This ruling reflects ongoing efforts to enhance solid waste management practices across urban areas in India.