Study Reveals Significant Waste Management Issues in Delhi
Study finds gaps in waste management in Delhi
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
A recent study by the Chintan Environmental Research and Action Group highlights severe gaps in waste management across Delhi, revealing that over 37% of open burnings were conducted to clear garbage. The findings indicate that systemic issues in waste handling persist, with only 13% of designated zero waste colonies processing household wet waste effectively.
- 01The study recorded 1,006 open burning incidents across 128 wards in Delhi from December 2025 to April 2026.
- 02Malka Ganj and Said-Ul-Ajaib wards had the highest number of burning incidents, each recording 34.
- 03Over 70% of burning sites lacked waste collection services within 500 meters.
- 0485% of zero waste colonies did not process wet waste on-site, and 43% did not segregate waste.
- 05The study suggests establishing a Zero Waste to Landfill Cell to enhance waste management efforts.
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A study conducted by the Chintan Environmental Research and Action Group has unveiled alarming gaps in waste management practices in Delhi. From December 2025 to April 2026, the study recorded 1,006 open burnings across 128 wards, with 37% of these fires set to clear accumulated garbage. The highest incidents were reported in the Malka Ganj and Said-Ul-Ajaib wards, each with 34 incidents. The analysis revealed that over 70% of burning sites lacked waste collection services within 500 meters. Additionally, a second study assessed 68 designated zero waste colonies, finding that 85% did not process wet waste on-site, and 43% failed to segregate waste. Alarmingly, only 13% of these colonies effectively processed household wet waste. Bharati Chaturvedi, founder of Chintan, emphasized the need for ongoing investment in waste management, advocating for the establishment of a Zero Waste to Landfill Cell to improve practices across the city. The study recommends incentivizing resident welfare associations (RWAs) to enhance waste segregation and processing efforts.
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The findings highlight critical deficiencies in waste management that affect air quality and public health in Delhi, a city already grappling with pollution issues.
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