NEW DELHI: Since October, approximately 52,000 tonnes of debris have been accumulated at designated construction and demolition (C&D) waste collection points, resulting in a significant 38% reduction in illegal dumping during the October-November period, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) said in statement on Wedenesday.
Earlier in the month, the MCD had said it was looking into procedural aspects of establishing 100 debris collection points in the city in an effort to curb air pollution.
“The municipal corporation in collaboration with the Air Pollution Action Group (A-PAG), has been actively engaged in identifying crucial C&D waste collection points, combatting illegal dumping, and educating citizens on responsible waste disposal practices. With 35 operational collection points across various zones of the national capital and another 49 identified locations, efforts are underway to further expand the infrastructure,” the statement read.
“Since October (2023), 52,000 tonnes of debris have been collected at these collection stores, resulting in a noteworthy 38 per cent reduction in illegal dumping from October to November,” the civic body asserted in their statement.
New collection points are being established in key zones such as Narela, Shahdara (North), Shahdara (South), and Rohini to address the growing demand for C&D waste disposal services. The collection points are strategically located within a 2-3 km radius for convenience of citizens, officials said.
To bolster awareness, the corporation has also made information on C&D waste collection sites easily accessible via the MCD 311 app and website. Prioritizing citizen engagement, the corporation has conducted 213 meetings with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and has trained 180 waste transporters for effective garbage management.
The MCD is encouraging residents to deposit non-bulk C&D waste amounting to less than 20 Tonnes Per Day (TPD), at designated collection stores.
Bulk waste, exceeding 20 TPD or part of a project totaling 300 tonnes, should be directed straight to the designated C&D plants. Strict adherence to C&D rules, safety measures, and ensuring proper covering and safeguarding of waste are being emphasized to mitigate pollution levels in the city.
MCD officials said that they have made good progress in tackling challenges related to construction and demolition waste. The emphasis on citizen participation, awareness, and the establishment of accessible collection points marks a positive shift towards sustainable waste management practices in the national capital, the MCD said in their statement.
‘52k tonnes of construction waste collected’
The MCD asserted that since October, 2023, a total of 52,000 tonnes of debris have been collected at these collection stores, resulting in a 38% reduction in illegal dumping from October to November. Officials said they made good progress in tackling challenges related to construction and demolition waste. Citizen participation, awareness, and establishment of accessible collection points marks a positive shift towards sustainable waste management practices in the city, MCD said.