The Delhi High Court on Thursday stayed an order of a single judge Bench for immediate closure of a bio-medical waste treatment plant in Sukhdev Vihar in South Delhi, which is allegedly affecting the health of the local residents. The stay will be applicable till February 25.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice G. Rohini and Justice R.S. Endlaw granted the interim relief on the petitions moved by the Delhi Government and Synergy Waste Management, the firm which established the plant, seeking more time to shift it.
The Court asked the residents of Sukhdev Vihar, who had filed a contempt petition before the Single Judge Bench that led to the order for shut-down on December 12, 2014, to file an affidavit on the issue by February 25. The plant will not be closed till then.
The residents have claimed that the plant, situated barely 30 metres from Sukhdev Vihar and other colonies, had violated the norms laid by the Central Pollution Control Board. They alleged that the plant was posing a threat to the health and life of the huge population in the area.
Synergy Waste Management, on the other hand, sought extension of time for shifting the plant till May 18, till when its contract with the Delhi Government is valid, and said the proposed alternative site was not suitable.
The High Court had on January 15, 2013 directed the Delhi Government and the firm to shift the plant within six weeks. The contempt petition pointed out that the order was not complied with.
Residents claimed the plant was posing a threat to their health and life
