
The High Court of the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand has issued landmark guidelines in relation to solid waste management.
Uttarakhand is a state located in the Himalayas in northern India, known for its scenic beauty and pilgrimage sites.
In a recent ruling, the High Court directed the municipality of Uttarkashi to ensure that a solid waste management facility being developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) should not be used as a dumping site. This decision was made in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that was filed regarding solid waste dumping at Barahat.
A PIL is a legal procedure in India that allows citizens to approach the court directly in cases where the public interest is at stake. It is a powerful tool for citizens to hold the government accountable for any negligence or wrongdoing that affects the public.
The facility being developed by UNDP is designed to handle the segregation, recovery, storage, collection, recycling, treatment, and safe disposal of solid waste. The court noted that there are currently no rules regarding the location of the processing facility, but directed the authorities to ensure no disturbance to locals.
The court’s decision is significant as it sets a precedent for how solid waste management facilities are developed and used in India. It highlights the need for proper planning and management of such facilities to ensure that they do not pose a threat to public health or the environment. It is hoped that this decision will encourage other states in India to adopt similar guidelines for the management of solid waste.