NGT Pulls Up MCD For Inaction Over Garbage Dumping In Delhi Locality
Pranav B Prem
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed displeasure over the continued dumping of garbage in a vacant plot in Delhi despite earlier directions to the authorities to take remedial action. The Bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member) noted that the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) had found the site filled with municipal solid waste during inspection and that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) had failed to act despite repeated reminders.
Background
The matter arose from an application filed by Sandeep Choudhary, raising a grievance regarding uncontrolled dumping of garbage and waste in a vacant plot located in front of his residence in Delhi. The applicant alleged that the waste dumping was causing a foul smell and creating serious health hazards for residents in the vicinity. The Tribunal, by order dated May 21, 2025, in O.A. No. 251/2025, had directed the Member Secretary, DPCC and the Commissioner, MCD to examine the complaint and take appropriate preventive and remedial action in accordance with law.
However, the DPCC’s compliance report dated July 14, 2025, revealed that the directions had not been implemented. The Committee conducted a spot inspection on June 19, 2025, and reported that the site “looked like a dumping ground filled with municipal solid waste”, emitting foul odour and attracting rodents, mosquitoes, and other insects. It further stated that no person was deployed to monitor or maintain the vacant plot. The report noted, “The vacant plot found filled with municipal solid waste & looked like a dumping site and the foul smell was being spread in the nearby areas. Further, it was also observed that due to mass of dumped garbage in & around of the alleged vacant plot, mice, mosquitoes and other insects were found breeding & roaming around.” The DPCC team also attempted to contact the complainant at his residence but received no response. Nevertheless, geo-tagged photographs of the site were attached to the report to substantiate the findings.
Findings of DPCC and Correspondence with MCD
In its report, the DPCC clarified that, under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, the responsibility for the scientific handling and management of municipal solid waste lies with local authorities such as the MCD and the Department of Urban Development. Accordingly, the Committee stated that it had written to the Commissioner, MCD, on June 23, 2025, urging compliance with the Tribunal’s previous directions. The letter followed earlier communications dated October 14, 2024, and June 23, 2025, requesting immediate action and submission of an action-taken report. The DPCC informed the Tribunal that no such report had been received from the MCD till the date of its filing.
Tribunal’s Observations
Taking note of the DPCC’s report, the Tribunal observed that its earlier directions issued in May 2025 had not been complied with and that no effective steps had been taken by the MCD to address the issue. The Bench remarked that the failure to act on repeated reminders reflected a serious lapse in the enforcement of municipal waste management obligations.
The order stated that the Execution Application (No. 59/2025) filed by the applicant seeking enforcement of the previous order would be treated as part of the pending Miscellaneous Application (M.A. No. 119/2025). The Tribunal directed issuance of notice to all respondents in both matters and ordered that a memo of parties be prepared accordingly. The Bench further instructed the applicant to serve a copy of the execution application upon the respondents and to file an affidavit of service at least one week prior to the next hearing.
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The Tribunal directed that the matter be listed on January 20, 2026, for further consideration of compliance and remedial measures. In doing so, the NGT reiterated that under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, the primary responsibility for the collection, segregation, and disposal of municipal waste rests with the local bodies, and failure to discharge these duties invites judicial scrutiny under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
Cause Title: Sandeep Choudhary v. State of NCT of Delhi & Ors.
Case No: M.A. No. 119/2025 In Original Application No. 251/2025
Coram: Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson), Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member)
