Green Tribunal Orders Closure of Polluting Waste Site Near AIIMS

The National Green Tribunal has issued a directive to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi for the rapid closure of a waste collection site located near the All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). This decision follows a petition from a senior citizen of South Extension, highlighting the site's substantial pollution impact.

The complaint identifies the dhalao as littered with diverse waste types, including medical refuse and garbage from local vendors. The tribunal's order cites an October 16 recommendation from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which flagged the site for closure due to its proximity to a hospital in a 'sensitive area.'

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has a six-month window to shut down the dhalao and relocate waste management to less disruptive locations. Additionally, they must adhere to CPCB's SOPs for reducing environmental harm. Until closure, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) will monitor the site for compliance, ready to take corrective measures if necessary.