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Delhi Battles Dust Pollution from Unregulated Construction Waste Dumping
10 Nov
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
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.
Residents have expressed their frustration, with BS Vohra, the head of the East Delhi Residents' Welfare Association (RWA) joint front, stating that the entire stretch along the Yamuna Pushta has several large-scale illegal dumping points where contractors dump debris to save on transportation costs. He emphasized the need for stricter enforcement and the utilization of CCTV cameras to penalize offenders.
The MCD report also highlighted the low offtake and utilization of recycled waste products from the existing C&D plants, making them less economically viable. In the 2024-25 fiscal year, the annual offtake of C&D waste was only around 23,004 tonnes, or 14% of the target of 1,601,500 tonnes. This year, the target has been reduced to 995,250 tonnes, of which only 7.33% has been met as of October 15.
As Delhi continues to grapple with this pressing issue, the authorities must take immediate and comprehensive measures to address the dust pollution and debris management challenges, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable future for the city.
