Faridabad’s Construction Waste Disposal Crisis: A Growing Environmental and Health Hazard

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) mandated that the civic authorities establish a proper waste disposal system in 2018. However, the project for processing construction and demolition waste (C&D) in Faridabad has yet to be fully implemented. Despite a contract being awarded to an agency, progress has been slow, leaving large piles of waste scattered throughout the city.
Residents are increasingly concerned about the environmental and health risks posed by these heaps of waste. Paras Bhardwaj noted that hundreds of tonnes of waste are disposed of unsafely each month, with no oversight or regulation. Narender Sirohi, a social activist, criticized the blatant disregard for waste disposal norms, highlighting the hazards to both the environment and commuters.
The designated spot near Riwazpur village, where a small-sized plant was established on 5 acres of land allocated by the MCF three years ago, receives less than 10% of the construction and demolition material. While the plant has been operational for a few months, it is currently only grinding and crushing waste, with no by-products produced yet. The civic body is obligated to purchase 60% of the processed material from the contractor.
Residents of Riwazpur village have opposed the plant, citing concerns about air and noise pollution. The NGT has urged the civic authorities to take action, but despite four proposed units by the MCF, no significant plant has been established. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has also issued directives for proper waste disposal.
The MCF’s Chief Engineer, Birender Kardam, stated that efforts are underway to make the C&D waste disposal and recycling project fully operational. However, the slow progress and ongoing challenges highlight the need for more effective measures to address the city’s waste management issues.