The Karnataka High Court has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Mandya District to consider petitioners' request to relocate the proposed site for a solid waste management unit. The suggested location is said to be near a river.
A division bench of Chief Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi and Justice S R Krishna Kumar said,
"We, therefore, dispose of this writ petition with the observations that the petitioners may raise their grievance by way of fresh representation within a period of ten days from today before respondent No.4-Deputy Commissioner, DC Office, Mandya district, who may look into the matter and if need be, take an expert opinion, and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law expeditiously, say, within a period of six weeks from the date a certified copy of this order along with the representation is placed before him."
The petitioners, A B Devaraju and others who are local residents, had approached the court, claiming that the proposed site is very close to the river, and that there is a strong apprehension that the solid waste dump at the proposed site will pollute the river. Furthermore, there are temples nearby, which may have an impact on the religious attitudes of those who visit the temples. It may also pollute the environment and provide a health risk to those who live near the site.
Following a review of the petition's averments, the court stated,
"We are of the considered view that the grievance of the petitioners, who are said to be the residents of the nearby areas where the proposed solid waste management unit is to be established shall be considered by the concerning Authorities and it is for the concerning Authorities to find out the most suitable place for the establishment of the solid waste management unit. The impact of dumping of solid waste is to be kept in mind while deciding the location of the site. It shall not affect the residents of the area and the environment at large."
The petition was then dismissed by the court.
