In a pivotal development for Pune’s waste management landscape, the Supreme Court of India has overturned the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) directive to close the garbage processing plant located in Baner. The ruling, delivered on September 12, 2024, underscores the Court’s position that the closure of the plant would be detrimental to public interest.
The apex court’s decision came in response to appeals from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and other stakeholders, challenging the NGT’s October 2020 order, which mandated the plant’s closure and relocation in accordance with Central Pollution Control Board guidelines. The NGT’s directive was reinforced by a subsequent December 2020 decision dismissing a review application from the plant’s operator. The Supreme Court’s bench highlighted that shutting down the Baner facility would force the transportation of organic waste across the city to Hadapsar, situated on the opposite side of Pune. Such a move, the Court warned, would exacerbate public nuisance through foul odours and logistical disruptions.
Central to the Court’s ruling was the observation that the Baner site had been designated for waste processing in the area’s land use plans dating back to December 2002, contrary to NGT’s assertion that the plot was reserved for a biodiversity park. The bench deemed the tribunal’s conclusions erroneous and emphasised that closing the plant would contravene the public interest by disrupting efficient waste management processes. The Supreme Court also acknowledged the PMC’s initiatives in establishing 48 waste processing plants throughout Pune, which have contributed to environmentally sustainable practices such as converting waste into biogas. The Court’s ruling mandates that the PMC and the plant operator adhere to recommendations from the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to mitigate any adverse impacts, including odour control and infrastructure improvements.
The Court has directed the PMC to implement several measures by December 31, 2024, including the installation of portable compactors, road construction, and a green cover around the plant. Additionally, the state government is advised to consider Miyawaki forests to enhance local green spaces. As the Supreme Court’s decision stands, it signals a significant victory for Pune’s waste management infrastructure while reaffirming the necessity for environmental and public health considerations in urban planning.
