The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to the Delhi government, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) concerning a petition that challenges the establishment of a proposed e-waste eco park at Holambi Kalan village. The facility is planned on 8.5 hectares of land in north Delhi.
Petition Alleges Land Use Violation
The application, filed by Gram Vikas Samiti Holambi Kalan, alleges that the land designated for the eco park was originally residential in nature. The petitioner claims that the land use was subsequently changed from residential to utility to accommodate the park. During the proceedings, the applicant's counsel referred to a notification dated June 18, 2025, which pertained to the change of land use. The counsel argued that e-waste management facilities are not among the services or activities covered under the utility category as defined in the master plan.
E-Waste Plant Categorized as Red-Category Industry
The applicant further asserted that the e-waste management plant qualifies as a red-category industry and must adhere to specific siting criteria outlined in the Control of Water Pollution (Grant, Refusal or Cancellation of Consent) Guidelines, 2025. During the hearing, the applicant's counsel highlighted guideline No. 9, which mandates a minimum distance of 500 metres from settlements, educational institutions, places of worship, archaeological monuments, national parks, reserve forests, and heritage sites for industrial units. It was also submitted that Holambi Kalan village is adjacent to the project site on its western side and that eight schools are located within 500 metres of the proposed facility.
Reference to E-Waste Management Rules
Relying on Rule 10 of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, the applicant submitted that e-waste dismantling and recycling facilities can only be set up on earmarked or allocated industrial space and sheds in existing and upcoming industrial parks, estates, and industrial clusters. The applicant argued that the proposed e-waste management facility does not fall within any of these designated areas. The bench, headed by Justice Prakash Shrivastava and expert member Afroz Ahmad, observed this in an order dated May 29, which was shared on Wednesday.
Next Hearing Scheduled
The tribunal has directed all respondents to file affidavits of service at least one week before the next hearing date, which is scheduled for September 10. A previous report by the Times of India indicated that Delhi is a significant hub for e-waste, contributing 9.5% of the country's total e-waste, which amounts to approximately 2.3 lakh metric tons.
