The National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered fine to be deposited with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for failing to manage legacy waste (solid waste kept for years) and untreated sewage.

Present framework for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management

• The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 empowers the Central Government to establish authorities charged with the mandate of preventing environmental pollution in all its forms.
• The management of MSW is the function of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
• Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2016 requires ULBs to set up waste collection, transportation, processing, and disposal systems.

Challenges in waste management

• Public attitudes to waste and Poor segregation of waste at source.
• There is a lack of strategic MSW plans and  availability of qualified waste management professionals is limited.
• Lack of budget with the Municipal authorities
• Data on waste generation in terms of composition and quantities is still lacking with cities. 

Way forward

• Circular economy by using wastes as resources with increased value extraction, recycling, recovery and reuse.
• A strong and independent authority is needed to regulate waste management.
• Long-term waste management planning by considering the private sector and NGOs as stakeholders.