SC directs strict solid waste management rules at tourist, pilgrim sites

The Supreme Court has directed all chief secretaries to formulate a dedicated mechanism for implementing the Solid Waste Management Rules at tourist places and pilgrim centres across the country. The court has also directed the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change to delegate its powers to district collectors for enforcing the rules. State governments are to incentivise good performance by prioritising grants and penalise defaulting local bodies for non-compliance with the rules.