Delhi Struggles To Treat Its Rubbish As Over One-Third Of Daily Waste Ends Up At Landfills: CPCB

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) says Delhi continues to face a growing waste management challenge, as authorities leave a significant portion of the city’s daily garbage unprocessed and dump it at major landfill sites.

In an affidavit submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the CPCB stated that Delhi generates around 11,852 tonnes of municipal solid waste every day. However, the city processes only 7,611 tonnes, leaving nearly 36 per cent of daily waste untreated.

The disclosure came during proceedings in a suo motu case initiated by the green tribunal following media reports highlighting persistent garbage accumulation and foul odour in southeast Delhi localities such as Shaheen Bagh and Sarita Vihar.

Citing the Delhi Pollution Control Committee’s (DPCC) annual report for 2024–25, the CPCB noted that Delhi’s installed waste processing capacity stands at 8,173 tonnes per day, while actual utilisation remains lower.

As a result, authorities divert about 4,241 tonnes of waste every day to the already burdened Bhalswa and Ghazipur dumpsites.

The CPCB informed the tribunal that plans are in place to add 7,750 tonnes per day of processing capacity between 2025 and 2028 to address the current shortfall and future needs.

Under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, the CPCB clarified that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) holds primary responsibility for the collection, segregation, transport and treatment of municipal waste.

The affidavit reiterated that proper operation and maintenance of waste processing facilities and dumpsites fall squarely within the mandate of local authorities.

Monitoring Committee Oversees Waste Management Efforts

The CPCB also referred to a February 2023 NGT order that set up a Solid Waste Monitoring Committee for Delhi, headed by the Lieutenant Governor.

The committee oversees waste management initiatives, including new treatment facilities and the remediation of legacy landfills.

Taking note of possible violations of environmental laws, the NGT has issued notices to key agencies, including the CPCB, DPCC, MCD and the District Magistrate of South East Delhi, seeking accountability and corrective measures.

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