The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is advancing its fifth construction and demolition (C&D) waste processing unit in Tehkhand. This new facility, poised to handle 1,000 tonnes of C&D waste daily, marks a significant leap towards Delhi’s ambitious goal of recycling all C&D waste by the end of next year.
The Tehkhand plant, currently in the technical bid evaluation stage, is expected to be operational within a year of awarding the contract. The project is part of Delhi’s broader strategy to address the growing challenge of waste management. The new unit will join four existing plants across the city, located at Bakkarwala, Jahangirpuri, Rani Khera, and Shastri Park, which collectively process a substantial portion of the city’s daily waste. Delhi generates approximately 6,000 tonnes of C&D waste daily. To manage this, MCD has established around 100 dedicated ‘malba’ collection points across the city, ensuring that waste is directed to authorised plants where it can be recycled into valuable products like tiles, kerbstones, and bricks. The initiative not only reduces landfill pressure but also promotes the use of recycled materials in construction.
This move is part of a broader effort to involve the public in waste management. Following a visit from LG Saxena in May 2022, MCD began offering free C&D waste to industries, contractors, and individuals, which has received a positive response. This approach is designed to encourage more sustainable practices and make effective use of waste materials. The Tehkhand engineered landfill, inaugurated in March this year at a cost of ₹42.3 crore, is equipped to handle 10 lakh tonnes of waste. It features infrastructure improvements like a peripheral boundary wall to control fly ash and wide access roads for efficient waste handling. This facility will serve as a key component of Delhi’s waste management strategy, supporting both immediate needs and long-term sustainability goals.
The new C&D waste plant in Tehkhand is set to play a pivotal role in Delhi’s journey towards comprehensive waste recycling and management, reflecting a growing commitment to environmental stewardship and urban sustainability. As the city continues to grapple with waste challenges, such investments are crucial in fostering a cleaner, greener urban environment.
