No Power, Water For Malls, Hotels If Solid Waste Not Handled Right: Top Court

Solid waste management is the responsibility of every citizen and not just sanitation workers, the Supreme Court said today, and directed strict action against the bulk generators including large malls, hotels, hospitals, commercial complexes, and large residential societies. The court said bulk waste generators should be identified within six weeks and their electricity and water lines should be disconnected if Solid Waste Management Rules are not followed.A bench comprising Justices SVN Bhatti and Justice NV Anjaria issued nationwide guidelines regarding the strict implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules. Every waste generator must ensure waste segregation, safe storage, and handover in the prescribed manner, the court said.The bench was hearing appeals arising from the orders of the National Green Tribunal concerning environmental compliance by the municipal corporation under the SWM rules.The Bhopal Municipal Corporation had challenged the order relating to its obligations in handling municipal solid waste.