NBM Media: Need for Technology Adoption & Reforms for C&D Waste Utilisation
S.A. Faridi, Managing Editor, NBM Media, highlights the slow progress in C&D waste utilization, stressing the need for technological adoption, tax incentives, and better coordination between the industry and government to enhance the use of recycled materials.
We've been discussing C&D (Construction and Demolition) waste utilization for the past 15-20 years, but progress on the ground is still lacking. While there's a lot of energy and enthusiasm in the country to address this issue, it hasn’t yet translated into real, widespread action. For example, while we can designate a single collection point for C&D waste, the reality is that much of this waste is generated from small-scale repairs and demolitions. Often, people pay a small fee to have the waste dumped anywhere, rather than taking it to the designated site. To truly create an ecosystem where C&D waste is utilized, we need to establish designated spaces close to residential areas.
Currently, Delhi has four plants processing 4,000 to 5,000 tons of C&D waste daily. However, the real issue is the gap between the amount of waste generated and the capacity to process it. With continuous developments, we must anticipate future needs. The Prime Minister’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047 is just 22 years away, but the current system won't get us there. Passion and a realistic understanding of the ground situation are two different things. From an outsider's perspective, we still have a long way to go. India has only 26 plants across 10 to 12 cities, with a combined capacity of 12,000 to 14,000 tons per day, but the amount of waste generated requires at least 200 modern plants.
The issue with the quality of fly ash mixes, for instance, stems from a lack of technological adoption. After over 30 years in the industry, I’ve observed that India invests very little in technology and infrastructure. The government needs to step in with tax reliefs and incentives. C&D waste collection and processing cannot rely on private companies alone—they operate on a profit basis, not charity. The government must facilitate setting up of plants by minimizing costs, offering tax benefits, and incentivizing the production of recycled products.
India is fortunate to have the technology, skilled people, and intent to succeed. The last decade has seen phenomenal growth, but our shortcomings lie in coordination, clear guidelines, and accountability. There are guidelines for using C&D waste, black soil, and other materials in construction, but implementation is inconsistent. Only a few contractors and government officials are taking this seriously. We need to bring the industry together with the government to ensure that technology is adopted and widely used in India.
A significant challenge in India is the lack of civic sense—90% of the population doesn’t follow basic civic responsibilities. For instance, you might see someone driving a luxury car and casually throwing trash out of the window. We need to learn from countries like China, where I've travelled over 40 times in the last 25 years. They’ve developed awareness among their population, which now contributes to the country’s growth. Here in India, the burden of development falls almost entirely on the government, but that’s not sustainable. While the government and MCD are making efforts, real change won’t happen unless the people are on board. Awareness needs to be raised, technology needs to be utilized, and C&D waste utilization must be enforced through incentives to the private sector.
Private contractors and developers are hesitant to use recycled products because they fear inconsistent quality or shorter lifespans. However, if they see a 20% cost benefit, they’ll likely opt for recycled products, realizing the savings and hesitating less in using these materials.
