India, April 25 -- The Supreme Court on Thursday tightened oversight on solid waste management in the National Capital Region (NCR), directing Delhi and the states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan to appoint senior officials as nodal officers to ensure 100% segregation and timely collection of solid waste.

The directive came in response to a petition by lawyer-activist MC Mehta, seeking action against pollution. A bench led by justice Abhay S Oka also recommended that the Centre consider reducing the 18% goods and services tax (GST) on products made from recycled construction and dust waste, noting that the sector needs incentives.

The court ordered states to submit realistic projections of municipal solid waste (MSW) generation ...