NGT Pulls Up MCD for Inaction Over Garbage Dumping in Delhi Locality

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed concern over continued dumping of garbage in a vacant plot in Delhi despite previous directions to the authorities to take remedial action. The Tribunal noted that the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) had found the site filled with municipal solid waste during inspection and observed no substantial action by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) despite repeated reminders.

A bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member) was hearing M.A. No. 119/2025 in O.A. No. 251/2025, along with Execution Application No. 59/2025 filed by applicant Sandeep Choudhary. The matter arose from complaints regarding the dumping of waste in a vacant plot located in front of the applicant’s residence in Delhi, which was allegedly causing foul smell and posing a health hazard to residents.

The Tribunal had earlier, on May 21, 2025, directed the Member Secretary, DPCC and Commissioner, MCD to look into the complaint and take preventive and remedial measures. However, a compliance report filed by DPCC on July 14, 2025, revealed that such measures were yet to be implemented.

The DPCC, after inspecting the site on June 19, 2025, reported that the vacant plot resembled a dumping ground filled with heaps of solid waste emitting foul odour. The inspection team noted the presence of rodents, mosquitoes, and other insects breeding in the waste. It further stated that there was no person deployed to maintain or secure the plot.

The report also mentioned that DPCC had attempted to contact the complainant at his residence opposite the plot but received no response. Nevertheless, the Committee attached geo-tagged photographs evidencing the unsanitary condition of the area.

Citing provisions of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, the DPCC clarified that the responsibility for scientific handling and management of municipal solid waste lies with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and other concerned local bodies. It informed the Tribunal that a letter dated June 23, 2025, had been sent to the Commissioner, MCD, requesting compliance with the Tribunal’s earlier order. However, despite previous letters dated October 14, 2024, and June 23, 2025, no action-taken report had been received from MCD till the filing of the DPCC report.

Taking note of this inaction, the Tribunal observed that its directions issued in May 2025 had not been complied with. The bench, therefore, decided to treat the Execution Application filed by the applicant as part of the pending miscellaneous application and directed issuance of notice to all respondents in both matters. The Tribunal also directed the applicant to serve a copy of the execution application upon the respondents and to file an affidavit of service at least one week before the next hearing.

The matter has now been listed for January 20, 2026, for further consideration of compliance and remedial steps.

The case underscores persistent gaps in municipal waste management and the recurring challenge of inter-departmental accountability in enforcing environmental norms in urban areas. The Tribunal’s directions reaffirm that the primary obligation for proper disposal of solid waste under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, lies with the municipal authorities, and failure to ensure compliance invites judicial scrutiny under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.

Case Title: Sandeep Choudhary v. State of NCT of Delhi & Ors.

Bench: Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member)

Date of Order: October 14, 2025