Context:
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has failed to meet its targets for recycling construction and demolition (C&D) waste, achieving only 4% utilisation till September 2025.
Key Highlights / Details:
- Target and Performance:
Against the revised target of 9.8 lakh metric tonnes (MT) for FY 2024–25, only 4% of waste was recycled till September. - Previous Performance:
The 2024–25 target was reduced from 16 lakh MT to 9.8 lakh MT, showing limited progress despite lower benchmarks. - Government Concern:
The Delhi Urban Development Minister Ashok Sood stated that the government will ensure stricter enforcement of C&D waste recycling norms. - Infrastructure Gaps:
Lack of adequate processing capacity and delays in commissioning new recycling facilities hinder progress. - New C&D Plant:
A new 5,000-tonne capacity recycling plant at Okhla is proposed to be commissioned by December 2025.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- C&D Waste: Generated from construction, renovation, and demolition activities; major sources of urban pollution.
- Delhi’s C&D Waste: Estimated at 5,500–6,000 MT per day.
- Policy Reference: Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016 (amended 2018).
Relevant Mains Points:
- Urban Waste Management: Challenges in waste segregation, collection, and recycling infrastructure.
- Sustainable Development: Importance of reusing C&D waste for reducing landfill pressure and carbon emissions.
- Governance Issue: Weak enforcement and institutional coordination among municipal agencies.