GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court has directed key government bodies to address concerns regarding the mismanagement of solid waste in Assam.
In a series of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) alleging negligence in waste management practices, the division bench of Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice Suman Shyam has instructed the Union Environment Ministry and the Central Pollution Control Board to submit their responses to the PILs.
Additionally, the Pollution Control Board, Assam, and the State’s Housing and Urban Affairs Department have been tasked with filing additional affidavits regarding the issues raised by the amicus curiae in the case.
The amicus curiae informed the Court about previous directives issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on January 2, 2017, concerning solid waste management.
The NGT’s orders, along with directions from the Supreme Court, highlighted the importance of effective measures to tackle the issue.
Highlighting the Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016, the amicus curiae stressed on the responsibilities entrusted to various government bodies at the central and state levels.
However, concerns were raised about the lack of clarity regarding the implementation of these rules in Assam.
In response to arguments presented during the hearing, the Court decided to implead additional parties in the PILs, including the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Union of India; Central Pollution Control Board; Pollution Control Board, Assam; Housing and Urban Affairs Department, Government of Assam; and the Chief Secretary of the State of Assam.
Furthermore, the Court directed these parties to file additional affidavits addressing the issues raised by the amicus curiae before the next hearing scheduled for August 5.
