Supreme Court Quashes NGT Order: Upholds Operation of Pune Garbage Processing Plant

The Supreme Court overturned the National Green Tribunal's directive to close a garbage processing plant in Pune's Baner. The court reasoned that shutting down the plant would harm public interest by increasing foul odour and causing inconvenience. The decision allows the plant to continue operating under strict guidelines to minimize environmental impact.

The Supreme Court overturned the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directive to shut down a garbage processing plant in Pune's Baner, stating that closure would be 'detrimental' to public interest.

If the plant were closed, the organic waste from western Pune would need to be transported to Hadapsar in the east, leading to foul odours and public nuisance.

Delivering the verdict on appeals from the Pune Municipal Corporation, the court emphasized that the NGT had mistakenly concluded the plant was on land reserved for a bio-diversity park. In fact, it was originally designated for the garbage processing plant.

(With inputs from agencies.)