The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM), on December 18, 2025, undertook a comprehensive review of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management across the NCR States and the NCT of Delhi to assess compliance with statutory directions and prevent open burning of MSW and biomass, which has a direct and adverse impact on air quality, particularly during winter months. The review was conducted through structured meetings with State Governments, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Municipal Corporations, and State Pollution Control Boards.
The Commission observed that persistent incidents of open waste and biomass burning continue despite availability of infrastructure, pointing to gaps in enforcement, segregation, monitoring, and field-level operations. Accordingly, targeted directions were issued to authorities in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, including time-bound remediation of legacy waste, augmentation of waste processing facilities without further extensions, mandatory on-site wet waste processing by Bulk Waste Generators, spill-free waste transportation, intensified surveillance of garbage-vulnerable points, and accelerated implementation of 100% Zero Waste Colonies. Specific monthly processing targets and reporting requirements were also prescribed.
CAQM further designated and reiterated the role of State Pollution Control Boards/DPCC as nodal agencies for data validation, monitoring of Waste-to-Energy plants, inter-agency coordination, and submission of regular compliance reports. The Commission has stated that it will closely monitor implementation, conduct follow-up reviews, and take appropriate regulatory action in case of non-compliance, underscoring the continuing obligation of all concerned agencies to strengthen MSW management for sustained improvement in air quality across the NCR.
[PIB Release ID: 2206207]
