GUWAHATI: In a recent session presided over by Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice Suman Shyam on May 1, 2024, the Gauhati High Court addressed several writ petitions (PILs) regarding mismanagement of solid waste in Assam. D.K. Das, learned counsel, was appointed as Amicus Curiae to assist the court in these matters.
Das highlighted the national and Supreme Court directives regarding solid waste management, emphasising the responsibilities of the central and state governments outlined in the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. However, concerns were raised regarding the lack of implementation in Assam, particularly regarding the constitution of a state level advisory body and the absence of policies under Rule 11 of the Rules of 2016.
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In response, the court directed the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Union of India, Central Pollution Control Board, Pollution Control Board, Assam, and the Housing and Urban Affairs Department, Government of Assam to be as party respondents in the PILs. Additionally, the Chief Secretary of the State of Assam was instructed to be included as a party respondent where absent.
R.K.D. Choudhury, learned Deputy Solicitor General of India, was directed to file a response on behalf of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the Central Pollution Control Board by the next hearing date. Similarly, counsel representing the Pollution Control Board, Assam, and the Housing and Urban Affairs Department, Government of Assam, were instructed to submit additional affidavits addressing the concerns raised by Das.
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The court scheduled the next hearing for August 5, 2024, and directed the petitioners' counsel to amend the cause-titles of the writ petitions to include the newly added respondents within two weeks.
