Gwalior Sanitation PIL: Madhya Pradesh HC Directs Municipal Corp to Explore CSR Funding & Create 'Corporate Climate Responsibility Fund' - 2025-09-03

MP High Court Proposes 'Corporate Climate Responsibility Fund' in Gwalior Sanitation PIL

Gwalior, MP - In a significant hearing concerning a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on Gwalior's sanitation crisis, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the Municipal Corporation to adopt a "mission mode" to tackle the city's garbage problem. Justice Rinku Shakya, overseeing the case, introduced innovative solutions, including the exploration of a "Corporate Climate Responsibility Fund" (CCR Fund) and leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to meet the city's needs.

Case Background

The PIL, filed by Sartaj Singh Tomar, brought to the court's attention the "serious unhygienic conditions" in Gwalior due to the accumulation of garbage in various localities and the Kedarpur Landfill Site. The court has been actively monitoring the progress made by the Gwalior Municipal Corporation in addressing these critical civic issues.

Municipal Corporation's Compliance Report

In a recent compliance report, the Municipal Corporation of Gwalior updated the court on several key projects:

• Waste-to-Energy Plant: The Detailed Project Report (DPR) was approved by the State Level Technical Committee on August 28, 2025.
• Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) Station: A tender process is underway with a single bidder, which is being evaluated as per norms.
• Sanitary Landfill Site: The DPR received approval from both the State Level Technical Committee and the Mayor-in-Council. The project is now moving towards obtaining environmental clearance.
• Disciplinary & Penalty Actions: The Corporation reported taking disciplinary action against 43 negligent employees and imposing penalties of approximately ₹1 lakh on citizens for improper waste disposal.

Court's Innovative Directives and Amicus Curiae Suggestions

Despite the progress, the court noted significant gaps, particularly a deficit of 81 door-to-door garbage collection vehicles. The amici curiae , Shri Sunil Kumar Jain and Shri S.K. Shrivastava, proposed a creative solution.

"Many industries are in the vicinity of Gwalior city and if under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), industries and different well-meaning NGOs working in the city may auger well with Municipal Corporation, Gwalior then deficit of 81 Door to Door Garbage Collection Vehicles can be covered," they submitted, referencing Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.

Building on this, the court issued a series of forward-thinking directives:

• Leveraging CSR: The Municipal Corporation was urged to explore acquiring the needed garbage collection vehicles through CSR contributions from industries, NGOs, and the public.
• Creation of a Dedicated Fund: The court proposed the creation of a special bank account for donations and fines, to be used exclusively for improving the city's cleanliness.
• Introducing 'Corporate Climate Responsibility Fund' (CCR Fund): In a pivotal suggestion, the court stated, "Time has come that all stakeholders must contemplate about creating Corporate Climate Responsibility Fund (CCR Fund) which may be dedicated to address the problems relating to Environment/Cleanliness/Public Hygiene."
• Public Awareness and Engagement: The court directed the Corporation to run awareness programs and consider appointing public-spirited citizens like auto-rickshaw drivers as "Green Warriors" to promote cleanliness.

Inter-Agency Cooperation

The court also ensured cooperation from other government bodies. Counsel for the State Government assured the bench that all necessary permissions and funds for the Municipal Corporation would be facilitated at a "brisk pace." The Pollution Control Board also committed to granting its permission for the landfill project within three weeks of receiving environmental clearance.

Final Decision and Implications

Justice Rinku Shakya directed the Commissioner of the Gwalior Municipal Corporation to take strict action against any officials found to be in dereliction of duty and to ensure all officers remain accessible 24x7 to address public grievances.

The court's proactive approach, particularly the proposal for a CCR Fund, marks a potential new model for urban governance and environmental management in India, blending judicial oversight with corporate and public participation. The matter is scheduled for the next hearing on October 8, 2025, to review further progress.