Delhi's Waste Crisis: Segregation Lags, Processing Capacity Needed

Delhi's waste management efforts are facing significant hurdles, with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) currently achieving only 59% waste segregation at source across its wards. The MCD has set ambitious targets to reach 90% segregation by December 2028, while the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) reports 92% segregation and aims for 95% by October 2026. The Delhi Cantonment Board (DCB) targets 100% segregation by March 2027.

Despite these efforts, a substantial 37% gap exists in the processing capacity for the 12,500 tonnes of municipal solid waste generated daily. To bridge this, six new processing plants are slated for completion by 2028, including waste-to-energy facilities in Narela-Bawana and Ghazipur, and expansions at Okhla and Tehkhand. The city's sewage treatment capacity is also set to increase from the current 745 MGD to 1,500 MGD by December 2028, addressing the existing 55 MGD treatment gap.