The Supreme Court expressed grave concern over recurring fires at the Bandhwari landfill in Gurugram and urged the CAQM to issue preventive directives. Learn about the legal, environmental, and public health implications.

Supreme Court Shocked by Fire Incident at Bandhwari Landfill

In a recent development under the landmark case of MC Mehta v. Union of India, the Supreme Court of India expressed alarm over the massive fire at the Bandhwari landfill in Gurugram. The Court noted that even after extinguishing the fire, lingering smoke continues to pose a serious public health hazard.

Fire Took Four Days to Contain

A bench comprising Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan stated that at least two fires occurred at the site in April 2025. The latest one took four days to bring under control. “We were shocked after watching the video,” the bench remarked, highlighting the enormous air pollution caused by the incident.

Legacy Waste and the Scale of the Problem

The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) informed the Court that the landfill currently holds 13 lakh metric tons of garbage, including 9 lakh metric tons of untreated legacy waste. The Court ordered the Municipal Commissioner of Gurugram to file an affidavit by May 15, outlining the timeline for removing this waste.

Court Directs CAQM to Take Preventive Measures

The Court stressed that the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) must issue enforceable directives under Section 12 of the CAQM Act, 2021, to prevent such fires. The Bandhwari site is used by both Gurugram and Faridabad, and similar incidents have occurred throughout the National Capital Region (NCR).

Solid Waste Management Rules Violated

Justice Oka questioned whether the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 had been implemented, noting that all compliance deadlines had already expired. The Municipal Commissioner revealed that the landfill spans 30 acres and a seven-year cleanup plan is underway, expected to conclude by the end of June 2025.

Legal Framework and Non-Compliance Penalties

The Court reiterated the importance of clause (zj) of Rule 15 of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, which mandates local authorities to clear legacy waste within a year of the rules’ implementation. This deadline expired in 2017.

The Court also emphasized Section 14 of the CAQM Act, which outlines strict penalties for violating CAQM directives, including up to five years in prison and a fine of ₹1 crore.

A Call for Urgent Environmental Action

This incident has brought to light the urgent need for sustainable waste management and stricter enforcement of environmental laws. The Supreme Court has made it clear that recurring landfill fires in the NCR cannot be ignored.

“The situation demands swift, legally binding action to safeguard public health and the environment,” the Court concluded.

Conclusion

The Bandhwari landfill fire is more than a local incident—it is a symptom of larger systemic failures in waste management and environmental governance across the NCR. The Supreme Court’s response underscores the urgency of preventive strategies, legal enforcement, and long-term remediation. It is now up to local authorities and central agencies like CAQM to act decisively. The health and well-being of millions depend on swift and effective intervention.