Eyeing sustainability, govt mandates use of recycled waste in infra projects

The Delhi Government has decided to enforce the mandatory use of recycled Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste in all construction projects across the city. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Urban Development Minister Ashish Sood, aimed at strengthening the utilisation of recycled C&D materials in Delhi’s infrastructure works.

Sood highlighted that the initiative aligned with the Delhi Government’s vision to make Delhi a “world-class pollution-free capital”. He emphasised the need for strict implementation of the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016, notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), which mandates all local bodies and public sector agencies to use recycled C&D materials in construction.

The minister informed that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has set an annual target of 9.85 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of recycled C&D waste being utilised in Delhi during 2025–26. However, only 52,000 MT of processed C&D waste is being used currently. Expressing concern over the low utilisation rate, he said the government would address the challenges faced by various departments in meeting these targets.

He added, “The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has set the following annual offtake targets (in MT) for major departments and agencies operating in Delhi, including MCD (2,00,000 MT), DSIIDC (1,00,000 MT), Irrigation and Flood Control (2,00,000 MT), PWD (1,00,000 MT) and other agencies such as NDMC, DJB, DUSIB, DTC and power distribution companies.

The minister also directed that payments be withheld in cases of non-compliance with annual offtake targets and that quarterly review meetings be conducted to ensure accountability and monitor progress.

Stressing the environmental benefits, Sood said, “Proper disposal and management of construction and demolition waste will not only improve Delhi’s environment but also enable its effective utilisation.”

He further directed all agencies to ensure adequate barricading and covering of C&D collection sites, underscoring that collective compliance will help make Delhi a clean, healthy and green city.