DPCC asks PWD to prepare database on C&D waste

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has asked the Public Works Department (PWD) of the Delhi government to prepare a proper database of construction and demolition (C&D) waste generated from its sites and submit an annual report on the same.

In a directive issued earlier this month, the pollution watchdog also asked the PWD to ensure that all C&D waste generated from its sites is stored in such a manner that it does not exacerbate the air pollution in the city.

According to DPCC, open dumping of C&D waste materials is a major contributors of air pollution, particularly of PM10 and PM 2.5 particles, in Delhi.

The move comes after a number of complaints were received by DPCC, regarding air pollution generated from the dumping of C&D waste materials from various sites belonging to various agencies.

The Committee, in its written direction, has said the PWD should collect the C&D waste and transport it to an appropriate site for processing and disposal through resources of its own or any other authorised agencies.

"The Public Works Department shall keep track of the generation of all construction and demolition waste within the jurisdiction and establish a database and update it once in a year and also submit an annual report," the DPCC said.

It also stated the PWD will dispose of all C&D wastes lying at its sites, in accordance with the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016.

In February, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had said the AAP-led government would undertake landscaping work along 500 km of road length to check dust pollution in Delhi.

He also announced the government will conduct a round-the-year air quality study, to ascertain sources of pollution in the city. According to the government, sources of pollution are different in different areas and at different times.

The AAP dispensation has a plan to procure machines which can detect sources of pollution at any given time and the government would act accordingly, Kejriwal had told a gathering on the third anniversary of the government coming to power in Delhi.