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ARTICLE · 11 MARCH 2025

Ensuring Compliance With Solid Waste Management Rules: Legal Framework, Challenges, And Solutions

King, Stubb & Kasiva
King, Stubb & Kasiva
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King, Stubb & Kasiva

King, Stubb & Kasiva

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Solid waste management (SWM) forms an integral part of environmental governance in India and influences public health, urban sustainability, and ecological balance.

IndiaEnvironment
Pooja Chatterjee
Pooja Chatterjee
Aribba Siddique
Aribba Siddique
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Introduction

Solid waste management (SWM) forms an integral part of environmental governance in India and influences public health, urban sustainability, and ecological balance. Through improper disposal of solid waste, air- and water-borne pollution, soil contamination, as well as a contribution to climate change via methane emissions from landfills, Indian officials recognize the urgency of addressing effective waste management and pledged to tailor the Solid Waste Management Rules-2016 (SWM Rules) in consonance with the Environment Protection Act, 1986. These rules lay down a comprehensive legal framework needed in order to lay the general responsibility for various stakeholders, and compliance requirements. However, despite the stringent regulations, their implementation remains elusive, as has been pointed out by the landmark MC Mehta v. Union of India verdict of the Supreme Court.

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