The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is currently examining a case concerning the bulk storage of waste in front of a government school in northwest Delhi. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has submitted a report detailing its findings and the actions taken by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
Spot Inspection Reveals Alarming Conditions
During a recent spot inspection, the DPCC discovered significant open garbage dumping and stacks of cardboard on the road directly in front of the government school in Prem Nagar. The report, dated November 27, 2025, also noted that construction materials were lying at the site, which were identified as belonging to a neighbouring hardware shop.
DPCC's Actions and MCD's Response
The DPCC informed the tribunal that it had written to the MCD several times, urging action on this public health and environmental hazard. A meeting was also held between the two bodies in September last year to resolve the issue. Following this, the MCD issued a challan (fine) in connection with the illegal dumping.
To address the immediate problem, the department has arranged for sanitation measures. One auto-tipper collects garbage in the morning and another in the evening at the identified spot. The DPCC report acknowledged that Prem Nagar is an unauthorised colony where residents were discarding refuse near the school. It stated that the concerned sanitary inspector ensures any refuse thrown late at night is lifted every morning as part of routine sanitation work.
NGT Hearing and Ongoing Concerns
The NGT is hearing a plea filed by a local resident of Prem Nagar, who complained about the persistent problem of waste accumulation near the school premises. The DPCC's report, submitted to the green court, outlines the steps taken but highlights the ongoing challenge of preventing open dumping in the area. The case underscores the wider issues of waste management and sanitation in unauthorised colonies of the national capital.
