The Delhi government is embarking on an ambitious overhaul of its energy generation and waste management strategies, exploring innovative approaches that include harnessing cow dung from dairies and establishing a new construction and demolition (C&D) waste recycling facility. This comprehensive plan underscores the capital’s commitment to fostering a truly eco-friendly and sustainable urban environment, aiming to transform waste into valuable resources for its rapidly growing populace.
At the heart of this transformative agenda is the operational biogas plant in Madanpur Khadar, where cow dung collected from local dairies is being efficiently converted into clean energy. This facility, installed by dairy owners, currently processes 10 tonnes of waste daily, serving one of the 11 authorised dairies under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s (MCD) jurisdiction. The initiative exemplifies how organic waste can be repurposed into a valuable resource, simultaneously addressing pollution by diverting cow dung from water drains through the construction of separate channels and settling tanks. A similar pilot project at Nangli Dairy, costing ₹1.7 crore, is set to expand with a ₹15 crore proposal, aiming to replicate this pollution control model across other dairy colonies.
Another cornerstone of Delhi’s green strategy is the planned C&D waste recycling plant at the Okhla landfill site. Designed to process 1,000 tonnes of construction and demolition debris daily, this facility is crucial for managing the city’s substantial C&D waste load, which currently ranges from 5,500 to 6,000 tonnes per day. Slated for operation by December 2026, the plant will be built on eight acres of land reclaimed through biomining, transforming a former dump site into productive infrastructure. The recycled materials, including tiles, bricks, pavers, kerbstones, and stone dust, will be mandatorily used in government construction projects, fostering a robust circular economy within the urban development sector.
Despite these forward-thinking initiatives, meeting the ambitious targets set by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) for C&D waste recycling remains a formidable challenge. In 2024-25, Delhi managed to utilise only about 14% (2.3 lakh metric tonnes) of its target of 16 lakh metric tonnes. The revised target for 2025-26 stands at 9.85 lakh metric tonnes, with only 2.49% achieved so far, indicating a significant gap that requires intensified efforts. To ensure compliance and monitor waste collection, the MCD is leveraging its 311 app and engaging local junior engineers, highlighting the role of digital tools in urban governance.
Further bolstering its environmental resilience, the MCD has developed a new silt disposal site in Shinghola on a 6.61-acre plot, previously a garbage dump. After clearing 7.6 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste through biomining, this site is now being used to deposit silt collected from drains across multiple zones, including Narela, Rohini, Karol Bagh, Shahdara, and Civil Lines. This critical initiative is designed to prevent drain clogging during the rainy season, significantly improving overall flood management across the city. Such measures are vital for protecting urban infrastructure and ensuring the safety and well-being of residents, particularly during the monsoon.
Delhi’s multi-pronged approach to energy generation and waste management, encompassing biogas from organic waste, recycling construction debris, and enhancing flood preparedness, signifies a holistic commitment to sustainable urban living. While challenges persist in meeting ambitious recycling targets, the strategic investments and technological integrations underscore a determined effort to transform the capital into a cleaner, more resilient, and resource-efficient metropolis. This progressive vision is crucial for creating equitable and gender-neutral cities, where environmental health and urban development are harmonised for the benefit of all citizens.
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