‘Most C&D waste collection sites are not fully equipped’

Nearly half of the official construction and demolition (C&D) waste collection sites in the Capital do not have adequate dust control measures such as dust arresting metallic sheets and water sprinkling systems, as per a report by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

- Paras Singh

Construction waste dumped in open at a designated site, without proper barricades.

(ARVIND YADAV/HT PHOTO)

The report comes amid the worsening air quality in the city when dust pollution remains a key concern.

Notably, C&D waste is a key contributor to PM1O air pollution through the generation of fugitive dust.

Further, the report pointed out that Delhi has a debris processing gap of around 1,000 tonnes everyday while the new plant in Okhia is unlikely to be commissioned before December 2026.

“Out of 106 C&D collection sites, 59 sites are barricaded with 12ft high blue metal sheets for dust suppression, sprinkling system and additional water sprinklers from the zones,” the report mentioned.

Many of the collection points are located in municipal stores and road side so barricading and water sprinklers reduce the ambient dust pollution caused by the dumped waste, a civic official explained.