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Delhi's Waste Crisis: 4,200 Tonnes Unprocessed Daily
23 Mar
Summary
- Delhi generates 11,862 tonnes of waste daily, far exceeding its 7,641-tonne processing capacity.
- Waste collection is at 100%, but source segregation remains uneven across city areas.
- New facilities aim to add 7,750 tonnes per day capacity in the coming years.
New Delhi confronts a substantial daily deficit in municipal solid waste processing, with approximately 4,200 tonnes of waste remaining unprocessed. The city's total daily waste generation is reported at 11,862 tonnes, far exceeding the installed processing capacity of 7,641 tonnes per day. Collection efforts have reached 100% across all civic bodies, ensuring most generated garbage is lifted daily.
However, source segregation presents a challenge, with collection areas averaging only 59% segregation, though targets are set for full implementation by January 2027. To bridge the processing gap, Delhi plans to expand its waste-to-energy infrastructure. New facilities proposed at Narela-Bawana and Ghazipur, alongside expansions at Okhla and Tehkhand plants, are expected to add 7,750 tonnes per day of processing capacity in the coming years.
Decentralized methods, including compost pits and material recovery facilities, handle a portion of the waste. The city also relies on four existing waste-to-energy plants that process 6,550 tonnes daily and generate 84 MW of power. An increase in construction and demolition waste collection sites is also suggested to manage debris effectively.
