The Supreme Court raised concerns about the lack of comprehensive implementation of solid waste management regulations, 2016 in Delhi pointing out problems such as uncontrolled waste buildup at landfill sites, improper disposal of construction waste, and the heightened risk of fires in waste storage areas.

The Court has ordered the chief secretary of the Delhi government to call a meeting of all stakeholders to discuss the issue. It has stressed the urgent need to fully enforce the 2016 Rules in Delhi to address waste management issues effectively.

A bench of Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih heard the case and said, “If we find that all other authorities do not come together and tell us the time-bound schedule for implementation of the 2016 Rules, the court may have to consider passing of harsh orders.”

It further said, "We direct the chief secretary of the Delhi Government to call a meeting of all the stakeholders, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, to discuss the issue of implementation of the 2016 Rules".
The bench pointed out, "We've seen in other cases too that the 2016 Rules are largely ignored. If they’re not being followed in Delhi, it’s concerning to think about how things must be in other cities across the country."

It also observed the no implementation of the 2016 rules due to which garbage or solid waste was being illegally stored in landfill sites which are at risk of catching fire. Secondly, a large number of construction activities were going on which ignited the generation of solid and construction wastes.

The court said the Delhi government must find a way to tackle the daily generation of solid waste in the city while submitting the report. The bench also allowed the special secretary of Delhi's environment department to invite relevant central government officers for a meeting if their involvement is needed to implement the 2016 Rules.

If any department does not cooperate, the special secretary can ask the court for further action. The case, related to pollution in Delhi and nearby areas, will be heard again on December 16.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) told the Supreme Court that by 2026, it will no longer be able to process the 11,000 tonnes of solid waste generated daily in the city. Earlier, on July 26, the Supreme Court had expressed concern about the poor implementation of waste management rules in Delhi, warning that the 3,000 tonnes of untreated waste left each day could lead to a "public health emergency."

The court also condemned the MCD for the gap between the amount of waste generated (over 11,000 tonnes daily) and the capacity of processing plants, which can handle only 8,073 tonnes a day.