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Delhi-NCR's Waste Crisis: How Open Burning Fuels Winter Air Pollution

The air quality watchdog has just finished a major review of how trash is handled across Delhi and its neighboring states. They found that despite available facilities, open burning of waste is still a persistent problem, especially in Delhi. Strict new orders have been issued, including a massive cleanup of old garbage dumps and faster building of processing plants. Each state's pollution control board is now on the hook to make sure these urgent deadlines are met to clear the air.

Key Points: CAQM Reviews Solid Waste Management to Curb Delhi-NCR Pollution

  • Delhi MCD must remediate 143 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste by 2027
  • Gurugram and Faridabad face significant delays in waste processing infrastructure
  • Bulk Waste Generators ordered to process wet waste on-site within one month
  • State pollution boards tasked with strict monitoring and monthly compliance reporting to CAQM
4 min read

CAQM undertakes comprehensive review of Municipal Solid Waste management across Delhi-NCR

CAQM directs Delhi, Haryana, UP, and Rajasthan to urgently improve waste management, stop open burning, and meet strict deadlines to combat air pollution.

"MSW management remains a critical area requiring sustained attention, given its direct impact on air quality in the NCR, particularly during the winter months. - Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)"

New Delhi, December 18

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas (CAQM) has recently conducted a detailed review of Municipal Solid Waste management to prevent MSW burning across the NCR States and the NCT of Delhi.

The review was conducted through a series of meetings with the concerned NCR State Governments/ GNCTD, Municipal Bodies and NCR State Pollution Control Boards/ DPCC to assess the status of MSW management, with particular emphasis on the prevention of open burning of waste biomass, remediation of legacy waste, augmentation of processing facilities and compliance with Statutory Directions.

The Commission noted that MSW management remains a critical area requiring sustained attention, given its direct impact on air quality in the NCR, particularly during the winter months.

In the National Capital Region (NCR), Delhi continues to face persistent incidents of open municipal solid waste (MSW) and biomass burning despite the availability of infrastructure, highlighting gaps in enforcement, segregation, and monitoring.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has been directed to remediate 143.09 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of legacy waste by December 2027, maintaining a mandated processing rate of approximately 3.5 LMT per month and submitting monthly progress reports. Immediate augmentation of waste processing facilities has been ordered without any extension of timelines.

Enhanced surveillance of garbage-vulnerable points, spill-free transportation of waste, and intensified IEC-led door-to-door segregation have also been directed. Bulk Waste Generators are required to ensure on-site wet waste processing within one month, along with the accelerated rollout of 100% Zero Waste Colonies. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has been tasked with strict monitoring of Waste-to-Energy plants, fly ash disposal, verification of municipal data, and monthly compliance reporting to the Central Air Quality Management (CAQM).

In Haryana, significant delays have been noted in legacy waste remediation and processing infrastructure, particularly in Gurugram, Faridabad, and Sonipat. The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram has been directed to complete tendering for the remediation of 14 LMT of legacy waste by 20th January 2026 and commence biomining by 31st March 2026. Faridabad Municipal Corporation has been instructed to identify land for decentralised processing facilities within two months and operationalise plants by April 2026.

All concerned Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are required to enforce wet waste processing by Bulk Waste Generators, expedite the establishment of 100% Zero Waste Colonies, and strengthen segregation and collection systems within defined timelines. Strengthened surveillance of garbage-vulnerable points, prevention of open burning, and improved field operations, including heater arrangements, have been directed. The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has been reiterated as the nodal agency for data validation and consolidated compliance reporting to CAQM.

In Uttar Pradesh, delays in legacy waste remediation, uneven segregation practices, and coordination gaps have been observed in certain urban areas. GNIDA and Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam have been directed to complete legacy waste remediation within committed timelines and submit monthly action plans.

Noida Authority, GNIDA, and Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam have been instructed not to seek further extensions for commissioning of waste processing facilities. Measures such as mandatory spill-free waste transportation, identification of dumping and burning-prone transit points, and achievement of 100% end-to-end segregation across all wards have been mandated. Enhanced surveillance, strict prevention of horticulture waste burning, and priority redressal of public complaints have also been directed. The Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) is tasked with resolving jurisdictional issues, ensuring inter-agency coordination, and forwarding validated data to CAQM.

In Rajasthan, progress on legacy waste remediation, segregation, and prevention of open burning has been found inadequate in Bharatpur, Alwar, and Bhiwadi. ULBs have been directed to complete remediation of legacy waste within committed timelines and submit monthly target-based action plans. Proactive augmentation of waste processing facilities has been ordered without further timeline extensions.

Achieving 100% waste segregation across wards is to be supported through focused IEC campaigns and staff capacity building. Enforcement of wet waste processing by Bulk Waste Generators, prevention of horticulture waste burning, and scaling up of Zero Waste Colonies have been mandated. Strengthened field monitoring, enhanced surveillance of vulnerable points, and prompt complaint resolution have also been directed. The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) has been reiterated as the nodal agency for verification and reporting of compliance to CAQM.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
As a resident of Gurugram, I see waste burning near empty plots every other evening. The directives to MCG are good on paper, but 2026 is too far away! We need action this winter itself. The air is already choking us. 😷
R
Rahul R
The focus on '100% Zero Waste Colonies' and door-to-door segregation is the key. We citizens also need to do our bit seriously. My apartment RWA started composting, and it has reduced our wet waste by 70%. More awareness campaigns are needed.
S
Sarah B
Living in Noida, the coordination gap between authorities is very real. One department collects waste, another is supposed to process it. Glad CAQM is pushing for inter-agency coordination. Hope it translates to cleaner streets and less smog.
A
Aman W
Respectfully, we've heard such reviews and directives before. The article mentions "despite availability of infrastructure." That's the core issue – poor management and lack of accountability. Will officials face consequences if deadlines are missed? That's what I want to know.
K
Kavya N
The directive to Bulk Waste Generators (hotels, large apartments, offices) to process wet waste on-site within a month is a great step! This can significantly reduce the load on landfills. Hope they provide technical and financial support to help them set it up.

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