SC takes note of plastics lying on both sides of railway lines in outer Delhi

Supreme Court has taken te of "heaps of plastic bags and garb" lying on both sides of railway lines in outer Delhi region and asked Delhi government, civic bodies and Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority to make a concrete plan for its removal.

Terming situation as "patic", apex court took cognisance of this issue and said steps have to be taken on a "war footing basis" so that such garb is dumped on sides of railway lines in future.

A bench of Justices Arun Mishra and Deepak Gupta directed that a joint meeting be held by all stakeholders and a comprehensive action plan and time-frame be placed before court.

"We take judicial tice of fact that by sides of railway lines in outer Delhi region, heaps of plastic bags and garb are lying on both sides and people living in slums. situation is patic," bench said in its February 28 order.

"We request EPCA, Government of NCT of Delhi and various municipal corporations to make a concrete plan for removal of plastic bags, garb and or waste materials lying on both sides of railway lines for several kilometers toger," bench said.

apex court also asked authorities to consider wher any incentive could be provided for collection of plastic bags as done in Himachal Presh, which provide Rs 75 per kg for such collection.

"What steps are to be taken in this regard be culled out within 15 days. Let a joint meeting be held by all stake holders and a comprehensive action plan and time frame be submitted to this court," bench said.

This issue cropped up before apex court which is hearing matter related to pollution in Delhi-national capital region (NCR).