Delhi HC bars MCD from including airport zone in waste plan
The Delhi High Court has ruled that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) cannot extend its tender for setting up a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) into the airport zone, reaffirming that Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) remains the exclusive authority to manage both aeronautical and non-aeronautical services within the airport premises, including solid waste management.
The verdict draws a clear line on jurisdiction, ending a legal battle over who controls waste management in one of India’s busiest transport hubs. The court observed that the airport zone, covering 4,799 acres and including Indira Gandhi International Airport’s terminals, in-flight catering facilities, Aerocity, and air traffic control areas, was leased to DIAL by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) under the 2006 Operation, Management and Development Agreement (OMDA). This agreement confers exclusive rights to DIAL for providing essential services.
The decision comes after MCD floated a tender in November 2024 to establish a dry waste recovery facility in Najafgarh, which also listed the airport zone within its project area. DIAL challenged this, arguing that waste management within the airport cannot be delegated outside its jurisdiction. The court upheld this view, noting that under the AAI Act, Sections 12 and 12A, DIAL is the “exclusive custodian” of airport functions.
Municipal officials defended their position, stating that solid waste management falls within the constitutional obligations of a civic body and is a core municipal responsibility under the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act. They further argued that agreements between AAI and DIAL cannot override statutory municipal functions. However, the court concluded that the DMC Act does not contain provisions that vest exclusive waste management rights at the airport site with MCD.
The ruling also referenced the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, which empower entities authorised under statutory agreements like OMDA to carry out such duties within their leased premises. Officials said this clarity is important not just for governance but also for sustainability, as it prevents overlapping jurisdictions that could compromise efficiency and accountability in waste handling.
Urban planning experts note that the judgment reinforces a critical principle: that sustainability in a megacity like Delhi depends on clarity of roles and responsibilities between civic authorities and private concessionaires. They argue that airport waste management requires specialised handling, given its sensitive infrastructure and the scale of passenger and cargo traffic, which is different from municipal solid waste streams.
While the verdict settles a jurisdictional dispute, it also reflects the broader challenge of aligning municipal governance with concession-based infrastructure management in rapidly urbanising cities. Observers believe the decision strengthens the case for integrated yet clearly demarcated responsibilities to achieve zero-waste goals and efficient recycling practices in urban hubs like Delhi.As Delhi works to build a greener and more sustainable future, the ruling underscores the importance of regulatory clarity in managing resources and reducing carbon impact across vital infrastructure.
