A Critical Analysis Of Waste Management And Sustainable Development Legal Aspects In India & The International Arena
- IJLLR Journal
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Anisha Aswal, Research Scholar, Law College Dehradun, Uttaranchal University, Uttarakhand
Ashutosh Mishra, Assistant Prof., Law College Dehradun, Uttaranchal University, Uttarakhand
ABSTRACT
Dealing with waste has become a big issue worldwide because of growing industries, cities and populations. These changes bring major risks to the environment and people's health. This article looks at the laws that handle waste management and checks how well they match the idea of sustainable development in India and around the globe. It also explores how international environmental laws have developed over time. Key agreements like the Basel Convention, which focuses on controlling hazardous waste movement and disposal, and the Rio Declaration, which promotes sustainable development and proper waste handling, are discussed.
The article looks at India's constitutional requirement under Article 21 and examines laws like the Environment Protection Act of 1986 alongside specific rules, including the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016. It points out how the courts have shaped environmental policies through key judgments. Cases like Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v. Union of India established sustainable development as a core idea. Almitra H. Patel v. Union of India tackled issues in how cities manage waste.
The article talks about ongoing problems like poor enforcement missing infrastructure low public awareness, and rising issues with plastic and electronic waste. It points out the mismatch between laws on paper and how they work in reality in developing nations. The study takes a comparative angle and highlights the importance of building better legal systems strengthening institutions, and working together across borders.
The study wraps up by calling for a move to adopt a circular economy, improve compliance with regulations, and push for governance that includes public participation. These steps aim to make waste management play a real role in meeting sustainable development goals.
Keywords: Waste Management; Sustainable Development; Environmental Law; India; International Framework; Circular Economy
