Delhi generates nearly 40 tonnes of biomedical waste every day. Estimates suggest this figure may rise further in coming decades. Therefore, the Delhi government has announced plans to establish new Common Bio-Medical Waste Treatment Facilities. Each proposed unit is expected to handle up to 46 tonnes daily.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa stated on Wednesday that authorities are preparing to expand the city’s processing capacity. Moreover, the plan aims to improve district-level coverage across the capital.
Reducing Pressure on Existing Plants
Currently, two facilities operate within Delhi and serve all districts. However, officials designed the new proposal to ease the load on these plants. The planned centres will serve clusters of three districts each. Consequently, authorities expect more efficient and dedicated waste management.
According to the government, the expansion will enhance operational focus and coverage. Presently, only two CBWTFs manage biomedical waste across the capital.
Treatment Methods and Technical Details
Officials stated that the facilities will process segregated biomedical waste through autoclaving and shredding. Subsequently, teams will carry out safe landfill disposal. These measures aim to reduce health risks and environmental impact.
Sirsa explained that authorities will onboard operators equipped with advanced technology while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. The proposed units will handle up to 46 tonnes per day. Each plant will operate around 20 hours daily with a capacity of approximately 2,300 kilograms per hour.
The government has proposed sites covering about 0.5 acres for each facility. Furthermore, planners intend to deploy advanced systems that meet statutory environmental guidelines. Authorities will soon issue tenders to attract operators using cutting-edge solutions.
Roadmap Finalised in High-Level Meeting
Officials approved the decision during a meeting chaired by Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Wednesday. Senior representatives from the National Productivity Council, the Environment Department and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee attended the session. Participants prepared an implementation roadmap for execution.
During the meeting, authorities presented a biomedical waste management framework for Delhi. The document outlined current and projected waste generation, technical specifications for proposed plants and a phased action plan.
An official statement noted that east, north, west, south and central Delhi currently generate nearly 40 tonnes daily. Projections indicate growth by 2031.
After the meeting, Sirsa said authorities will invite new partners equipped with the highest technology standards. He added that tenders will be released soon. He further stated that planners designed the plants to manage waste from east, northeast and Shahdara districts as well as west, southwest and central zones. He also described the initiative as part of the government’s long-term strategy on waste management and air pollution control.
Ensuring Transparency and Monitoring
Beyond infrastructure expansion, authorities plan to introduce daily monitoring dashboards once operations begin. These systems will ensure transparency and continuous oversight.
