Disposed

News Item Titled "We Can Smell It Even Inside Our Homes,: Southeast Delhi Localities Choke on Garbage" Appearing in the Indian Express Dated 12.06.2025 vs

NGT15 Apr 2026Original Application No. 342/2025

Case brief

AI extract

What is this about?

The Tribunal suo motu took cognizance of news reports regarding garbage accumulation and foul smell in Southeast Delhi. After reviewing the respondent's affidavit asserting remedial action and engagement of new contractors, the Tribunal was satisfied that the issue was addressed. Consequently, no further action was deemed necessary, and the matter was disposed of.

What did the court decide?

No further action required; application disposed of.

News Item Titled "We Can Smell It Even Inside Our Homes… — Environment and Pollution | NGT (2026)

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Court No. 1

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Item No. 47

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BEFORE THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL PRINCIPAL BENCH, NEW DELHI

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Original Application No. 342/2025

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News Item Titled "We Can Smell It Even Inside Our Homes,: Southeast Delhi Localities Choke on Garbage" Appearing in The Indian Express Dated 12.06.2025

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Date of hearing: 15.04.2026

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CORAM: HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE PRAKASH SHRIVASTAVA, CHAIRPERSON HON’BLE DR. A. SENTHIL VEL, EXPERT MEMBER HON’BLE DR. AFROZ AHMAD, EXPERT MEMBER

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Respondent: Ms. Suman Arora, Adv. for CPCB (Through VC) Mr. Narender Pal Singh, Adv. for DPCC (Through VC) Ms. Jyoti Mendiratta & Ms. Ananya Basudha, Advs. for R - 4 Mr. Ajay Kr. Mittal, Ex. Engg. EMS/Central Zone, MCD

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ORDER

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This Original Application was registered Suo Motu based upon the news item titled "We Can Smell It Even Inside Our Homes, : Southeast Delhi Localities Choke on Garbage" Appearing in The Indian Express Dated 12.06.2025.

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In the news item the serious garbage problem of South East Delhi especially places like Shaheen Bagh and Sarita Vihar were highlighted and it was disclosed that the garbage was left uncollected for many days in these areas which was causing bad smell and creating health hazard. It was also disclosed that Shaheen Bagh Street usually have food stalls but now that area is smelling like a rotten trash. This improper management of garbage was emitting foul smell and was creating health hazard.

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The Tribunal took up the suo motu in exercise of power and vide order dated 16.07.2025 the concerned respondents were registered and notice. The power of the Tribunal to take up the matter suo-motu has been recognized by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter of “Municipal

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Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors .” reported in 2021 SCC Online SC 897.

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The affidavit dated 13.04.2026 has been filed by the respondent Municipal Corporation of Delhi disclosing that the problem has been remediated and new concessionaire M/s J.S. Enviro Pvt. Ltd. has been engaged for lifting the garbage from August 2025. It is mentioned that on account of Waaf al Arafa–Hajj on 06.06.2025 and Eid-al-Adha on 07.06.2025, the garbage was dumped in that area but subsequently it has been cleaned. The Action Taken Report filed by the MCD dated 13.04.2026 discloses as follows:

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“3. I state that at the outset, the picture attached with the article is of Khizrabad in Sarita Vihar, Delhi and the article about the garbage pile on High Tension Road in Shaheen Bagh, commonly known as 40-futta, which is a landmark for foodies. It may not be out of place to state here that the aerial distance between Khizrabad in Sarita Vihar, Delhi and High Tension Road in Shaheen Bagh is more than 2 kms and the distance by road is about 5 kms.

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4. I state that the as on date there are 9 auto tippers engaged in Abul Fazal Enclave (Ward No. 188) which collect garbage on regular basis.

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5. I state that the contract awarded to Dakshin Dilli Swachh Initiatives Limited (DDSIL) the private concessionaire tasked with garbage collection in the zone expired in November 2023 and has since been running on temporary extensions till July 2025. However, it may be pertinent to state here that new concessionaire M/s J.S. Enviro Pvt. Ltd. has been engaged for lifting garbage from August 2025 to till date.

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6. I state that on account of Waqf al Arafa Hajj on 06.06.2025 and Eid-al-Adha on 07.06.2025, the garbage dumping in the area could have been increased; however, it is stated that the garbage from a High Tension Road in Shaheen Bagh is carried to the dump site on regular basis. The images of the site since 08.01.2026 to till date are annexed herewith.

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7. I state that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi is duty bound to maintain cleanliness and sanitation in the area. It is submitted that on account of festivals, the garbage increases; however, the garbage is being picked on regular basis. ”

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Along with this report, the photographs have also been enclosed to support the action which has been taken by the MCD. Mr. Ajay Kr. Mittal, Ex. Engg. EMS/Central Zone, MCD present in the Tribunal has assured

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that in future the MCD will ensure that no such problem arises and the solid waste in the area concerned is properly managed.

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Hence, no further action in this O.A. is required, which is accordingly

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disposed of.

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Prakash Shrivastava, CP

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Dr. A. Senthil Vel, EM

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Dr. Afroz Ahmad, EM

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April 15, 2026 OA No. 342/2025 HB

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News Item Titled "We Can Smell It Even Inside Our Homes,: Southeast Delhi Localities Choke on Garbage" Appearing in the Indian Express Dated 12.06.2025 vs

Case brief

What is this about?

What did the court decide?

News Item Titled "We Can Smell It Even Inside Our Homes,: Southeast Delhi Localities Choke on Garbage" Appearing in the Indian Express Dated 12.06.2025 vs

Case brief

What is this about?

What did the court decide?

What the court decided

A compact analysis

Issues for consideration

Cases cited

Statutes considered

Parties & counsel

Coram

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