CAQM Notes Significant Gaps in Waste Management Across NCR States

The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) recently conducted a detailed review of municipal solid waste management in the adjoining states surrounding Delhi.

The review was conducted through a series of meetings with the concerned National Capital Region (NCR) State Governments, Municipal Bodies and NCR State Pollution Control Boards to assess the status of Municipal Solid Waste (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 municipal solid waste management remains a critical area requiring sustained attention, given its direct impact on air quality in the NCR, particularly during the winter months.

Solid waste burning significantly contributes to Delhi’s air pollution crisis, releasing toxic particulate matter and gases that worsen smog, especially during winter. This practice, including open garbage fires and landfill blazes, contributes significantly to PM2.5 and PM10 levels, increasing health risks for residents.

Key Outcomes of CAQM Review on Solid Waste Management in NCR

NCT (National Capital Territory) of Delhi:

• Persistent incidents of open MSW and biomass burning were observed despite the availability of infrastructure, indicating gaps in enforcement, segregation and monitoring.
• Municipal Corporation of Delhi was directed to complete remediation of 143.09 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of legacy waste by December 2027, with a mandated processing rate of approximately. 3.5 LMT per month and submission of monthly progress reports.
• Immediate augmentation of waste processing facilities is directed, without any extension of timelines.
• Enhanced surveillance of garbage-vulnerable points, spill-free waste transportation, and intensified IEC-led door-to-door segregation are being implemented.
• Bulk Waste Generators to ensure on-site wet waste processing within one month; accelerated rollout of 100% Zero Waste Colonies.
• The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) is responsible for the strict monitoring of Waste-to-Energy plants, fly ash disposal, verification of municipal data, and monthly compliance reporting to the CAQM.

Haryana (NCR):

• Significant delays noted in legacy waste remediation and processing infrastructure, particularly in Gurugram, Faridabad and Sonipat.
• Municipal Corporation Gurugram has been directed to complete tendering for the remediation of 14 LMT of legacy waste by 20th January 2026 and to commence biomining by 31st March 2026.
• Faridabad MC has been instructed to identify land for decentralised processing facilities within two months and to operationalise the plants by April 2026.
• All concerned ULBs are directed 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 hotspots to prevent open burning and improved field operations, including heater arrangements, were implemented.
• Haryana State Pollution Control Board reiterated its role as the nodal agency for data validation and consolidated compliance reporting to the CAQM.

Uttar Pradesh (NCR):

• Delays in legacy waste remediation, uneven segregation practices and coordination gaps were observed in some urban regions.
• Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) and Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam are directed to complete legacy waste remediation within the committed timelines and submit monthly action plans.
• Noida Authority, GNIDA, and Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam have instructed against seeking further extensions for the commissioning of waste-processing facilities.
• Mandatory spill-free waste transportation, identification of dumping/burning-prone transit points, and achievement of 100% end-to-end segregation across all wards.
• Enhanced surveillance, strict prevention of horticulture waste burning, and priority redressal of public complaints are directed.
• U.P. Pollution Control Board is tasked with resolving jurisdictional issues, ensuring inter-agency coordination, and forwarding validated data to CAQM.

Rajasthan (NCR):

• Progress on legacy waste remediation, segregation and prevention of open burning found to be inadequate in Bharatpur, Alwar and Bhiwadi.
• Urban local bodies are required to complete remediation of legacy waste within committed timelines and submit monthly, target-based action plans.
• Proactive augmentation of waste processing facilities ordered, without further timeline extensions.
• Achievement of 100% waste segregation across wards to be supported through focused IEC and staff capacity building.
• Enforcement of wet-waste processing by Bulk Waste Generators, prevention of horticultural-waste burning, and scaling up of Zero Waste Colonies are mandated.
• Strengthened field monitoring, enhanced surveillance of vulnerable points, and directed prompt complaint resolution.
• The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board reiterated its role as the nodal agency for verification and reporting of compliance to the CAQM.

All concerned agencies are to continue submitting periodic compliance reports. The Commission will closely monitor implementation, undertake follow-up reviews, and take appropriate action where required.