(Madan B. Lokur, Kurian Joseph and Deepak Gupta, JJ.)
In Re: Outrage as Parents End Life After Child’s Dengue Death
SMW (C) No(s). 1/2015, decided on March 7, 2018
The Order of the court was delivered by
Order
1. The Union of India has filed a compilation of information pursuant to our order dated 6th February, 2018 which indicates that it has received a communication from 28 out of 36 State Governments and Union Territories.
2. It is stated that the State Level Advisory Boards (SLABs) have been constituted in 27 out of 36 States and Union Territories as per information received by the Central Pollution Control Board. However, as per Rule 23 of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 only in 20 out of 36 States and Union Territories SLABs have been constituted.
3. The meetings of the SLABs have been held only by 17 State Governments and Union Territories. Out of this, only three State Governments and Union Territories have held two meetings. The NCT of Delhi has held six meetings. All other State Governments and Union Territories have either held one meeting or not held any meeting at all.
4. This is the tragedy of the Solid Waste Management in this country and this is a very clear indication that the State Governments and the Union Territories are not taking hardly any interest in Solid Waste Management.
5. The NCT of Delhi should file an affidavit indicating specific and concrete proposals for waste management in NCT of Delhi before the next date of hearing.
6. On the request of learned Additional Solicitor General appearing for the NCT of Delhi, the matter is adjourned to 19th March, 2018.
7. The issue of waste management is a national issue and from the chart given to us by learned Additional Solicitor General it appears that the State Governments and the Union Territories are not taking the issue seriously.
8. Consequently, we issue notice to all State Governments and Union Territories through the Chief Secretary returnable on 19th March, 2018.
9. The Registry will inform each Chief Secretary by email forthwith and prepare a memo of parties.
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