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Delhi's Waste Crisis: NGT Flags Severe Lapses
9 Jan
Summary
- Delhi generates 11,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, but only processes 8,000.
- Nine sewage treatment plants are not meeting prescribed standards.
- Untreated sewage continues to flow into the Yamuna river at Wazirabad.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed serious concern over significant lapses in Delhi's management of solid and liquid waste. The tribunal noted that Delhi generates approximately 11,000 tonnes of solid waste each day, yet its processing capacity is limited to about 8,000 tonnes. This results in nearly 3,000 tonnes of untreated waste daily.
Adding to the crisis, Delhi's sewage treatment capacity falls short, with only 704 million gallons per day treated out of a generated 792 million gallons. Nine sewage treatment plants have been found to be non-compliant with required standards. Untreated sewage is reportedly being discharged into the Yamuna River, exacerbating pollution issues. The NGT has scheduled a hearing for July 6 to review progress.
The NGT previously ordered Delhi's chief secretary to submit compliance reports, a directive that had not been consistently followed. The tribunal warned that ongoing mismanagement could escalate into a public health emergency. Delhi plans to increase its solid waste processing capacity by 7,750 tonnes per day by December 2028.
