Pilot Success to Scale Up: 35 Secondary Points Set up for Malba Collection in Delhi!
Construction activities significantly contribute to air pollution in Delhi, accounting for 21% of PM10 and 8% of PM2.5, making them the second and fourth-largest contributors, respectively. In response to this, a Construction and Demolition Program was initiated in the West Zone of Delhi to address the air pollution stemming from C&D waste. The primary objectives included redirecting C&D waste to secondary collection sites, enhancing recycling efforts, and reducing illegal dumping of construction debris on roadsides.
The project involved key processes such as identifying collection sites, operationalizing these sites, training Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) personnel, conducting Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities, and regular review sessions with Deputy Commissioners and the Commissioner of MCD.
The pilot phase demonstrated remarkable success, achieving a staggering 642% increase in malba intake at secondary collection points and a substantial 46% reduction in illegal malba dumping. During this phase, the Air-Pollution Action Group (A-PAG) operationalized three stores, serving 10 wards and engaging with over 200 Resident Welfare Association (RWA) members and 100 waste collectors. Encouraged by these outcomes, the project was expanded to cover all 12 zones of Delhi, with current operations in six zones and ongoing implementation in the remaining zones.
To ensure the effective execution of the program, A-PAG has trained over 500 officers and C&D concessionaires. IEC activities are actively underway across operational zones in Delhi. Consequently, since the expansion in October, the project has witnessed a substantial 68% increase in malba collection at secondary points and a noteworthy 38% reduction in illegal malba dumping, in the month of December. Currently, 49 collection sites have been identified, of which 35 are operational and receiving construction debris.
These initiatives collectively reflect a robust effort to tackle the environmental challenges posed by construction activities in Delhi, with tangible progress in waste management and pollution reduction.