Assam: Gauhati HC broadens scope in solid waste management case

Guwahati: The Gauhati High Court has taken a significant step towards addressing the critical issue of solid waste management in Assam.

While hearing the matter on May 1, 2024, a bench comprising Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice Suman Shyam directed impleadment of additional parties to the case.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Central Pollution Control Board, Pollution Control Board, Assam, and Housing and Urban Affairs Department, Government of Assam, have all been directed to be included as respondents. This broadens the scope of the case and ensures accountability from various stakeholders involved in waste management.

In a hearing on April 1, 2024, the court appointed D.K. Das as Amicus Curiae (friend of the court) to assist in multiple Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petitions filed regarding mismanagement of waste in the state.

Das highlighted national and Supreme Court directives related to solid waste management, emphasizing the responsibilities of both the central and state governments as outlined in the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.

He pointed out that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had previously issued directions on the issue, and the Supreme Court had further emphasized compliance with those directives.

The next court hearing is scheduled for August 5, 2024. In the meantime, the newly added respondents will have the opportunity to file affidavits within two weeks addressing the concerns raised by Das.

Petitioners' counsels are also directed to amend their petitions to reflect the inclusion of these new parties.