Last updated: 01 March 2024

Delhi MCD is setting up 100 designated sites for the collection of Malba (construction and demolition waste)^[1]

The debris is then recycled into making bricks and tiles in C&D plants in Delhi^[2]

4 Feb 2024^[1:1]:

-- 35 collection points have already been set up
-- 49 other locations have also been identified

¶ The Problem^[1:2]

Construction activities account for 21% of PM10 and 8% of PM2.5, making them the 2nd and 4th largest sources of air pollution, respectively

¶ The solution^[1:3]

Strict Vigil on contractors^[2:1]

The aim is ensure that no debris is sent to landfill sites i.e. to reduce and clear landfills

• Strict orders issued to investigate garbage collectors and instructed to take tough action
• They are not allowed to mix construction and demolition waste with garbage and dumping it at landfill sites

Malba collection points

• MCD collaborated with the Air Pollution Action Group (A-PAG) and C&D waste concessionaires to establish malba collection points across Delhi
• Citizens can use these sites, which are located within a radius of two to three km in each ward, to dump less than 20 tonnes of waste every day
• In cases where malba is being generated in bulk (more than 20 tonnes per day), it is directly sent to the C&D plants

Pilot program: was done in the West Zone with 3 dedicated collection sites; resulting in a 46% reduction in illegal malba dumping

Dust Control^[1:4]

• Designated sites are enhanced with safeguards such as 12ft profile sheets, sprinklers, smog guns, and LED signage boards to ensure responsible disposal

Public awareness^[1:5]

• MCD departments are also conducting awareness activities and waste transporter sensitisation training on a regular basis
• Februrary 2024: 400 training sessions have been conducted, and around 100 waste collectors have been sensitised

Fines will also be imposed on transporters and citizens engaging in unauthorised disposal on roadsides, water drains, and other prohibited areas

REFERENCES:

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1. https://www.indiatoday.in/cities/delhi/story/delhi-civic-body-to-set-up-100-designated-sites-to-collect-construction-waste-air-pollution-control-2497281-2024-02-04 ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

2. https://www.millenniumpost.in/delhi/some-agencies-mixing-cd-waste-to-aid-garbage-weight-dumping-at-landfill-mayor-552050 ↩︎ ↩︎