What is the status of Delhi's construction waste management?

Delhi's construction and demolition (C&D) waste management system is facing significant challenges, with nearly half of the official collection sites lacking adequate dust control measures and a debris processing gap of around 1,000 tonnes per day.

How are residents of Delhi affected by the illegal dumping of construction waste?

Residents, such as those represented by the East Delhi Residents' Welfare Association (RWA) joint front, have expressed frustration over the rampant illegal dumping of construction waste along major roads and in various neighborhoods, contributing to dust pollution and environmental degradation.

Home / Environment / Delhi Battles Dust Pollution from Unregulated Construction Waste Dumping

Delhi Battles Dust Pollution from Unregulated Construction Waste Dumping

Q: When will the new C&D waste processing plant in Okhla be commissioned?

According to the report, the new C&D waste processing plant in Okhla is unlikely to be commissioned before December 2026, leaving the city's debris crisis unresolved in the meantime.

10 Nov

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Summary

Nearly half of Delhi's C&D waste sites lack dust control measures
City faces 1,000-tonne daily debris processing gap, new plant delayed until 2026
Illegal dumping rampant, residents call for stricter enforcement

Delhi Battles Dust Pollution from Unregulated Construction Waste Dumping

As of November 10, 2025, Delhi continues to grapple with the challenge of managing its construction and demolition (C&D) waste, which remains a key contributor to the city's persistent air pollution woes.

According to a recent report by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), nearly half of the official C&D waste collection sites in the capital lack adequate dust control measures, such as dust-arresting metallic sheets and water sprinkling systems. This is particularly concerning as the city's air quality has been steadily deteriorating, with dust pollution being a major concern.

The report further reveals that Delhi faces a debris processing gap of around 1,000 tonnes per day, and the new C&D waste processing plant in Okhla is unlikely to be commissioned before December 2026. This has led to a surge in illegal dumping, with heaps of construction waste found along major arterial roads and in various neighborhoods.