The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): The nation’s capital has emerged as a leader in cleanliness and waste management, securing the 7th position among cities with over one lakh population in the Swachh Survekshan 2023 rankings, and ranking first among Union Territories.
New Delhi Municipal Council’s (NDMC) strategic application of technology and community engagement has significantly advanced sustainable waste management, leading to this commendation. The city has implemented six Organic Waste Converters in residential areas, enabling efficient organic waste composting, with over 1,500 households actively participating in home composting.
The NDMC’s commitment to waste management is reflected in its comprehensive guidelines for Bulk Waste Generators (BWGs), its swift resolution of Service Level Agreement (SLA) complaints, and the elimination of traditional dumping sites in favor of modern Roll Call centers. The use of GPS-enabled vehicles for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) collection further streamlines the process.
Transparency and monitoring are ensured by the Integrated Command and Control Centre, which oversees vehicle movements and provides public access to route information through the NDMC 311 App and website. A live monitoring dashboard for waste processing integration has also been developed.
In its push towards zero waste, New Delhi has made noteworthy strides, such as processing all waste through the Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Plant in Okhla, handling an average of 200 tons per day, and constructing Decentralized Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs). All sewage is treated at 35 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), with the recycled water used for horticulture, and all Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste is fully processed.
Efforts to manage single-use plastic include processing by recyclers, the establishment of Bartan Bhandars in JJ Clusters and spiritual sites, and the promotion of cloth bags through Vikalp stores. The ‘Wall of Kindness’ initiative encourages donations of reusable items.
Public facilities have seen improvements under the FACES initiative, with a focus on accessibility, cleanliness, eco-friendliness, and safety. The facilities boast natural ventilation, separate units for Divyang and third gender individuals, and female-specific Pink Toilets.
The Waste to Wonder Park installation is a testament to NDMC’s creative waste management, featuring sculptures made from scrap metal representing G20 member countries’ fauna. Public spaces have been beautified with vibrant wall arts, fountains, sculptures, and murals.
NDMC’s approach integrates waste management with a circular economy, reusing sewage water for horticulture, composting wet waste, and recycling dry waste through MRF centers. The council has a roadmap for future initiatives, focusing on the removal of Red Spots, enhancing waste management mechanisms, establishing more micro MRF centers, and ensuring SafaiMitras’ safety.
These comprehensive efforts underscore New Delhi’s leadership in creating a clean, efficient, and sustainable urban environment, contributing to the city’s recognition as a model of urban cleanliness.