Delhi gets first green waste processing plant near ITO

New Delhi: Public Works Department on Monday inaugurated Delhi's first green waste processing plant to scientifically handle horticulture waste generated along city roads.PWD minister Parvesh Verma launched the facility near ITO, asserting that it is the city's first dedicated plant for processing green waste collected from PWD-maintained stretches. The plant will convert branches, shrubs and other pruning waste into compost for reuse in landscaping and plantation work.
Calling it a long-awaited initiative, the minister said that despite maintaining thousands of kilometres of roads and green belts, the department earlier did not have any green waste processing plant. "Delhi now has a dedicated infrastructure to scientifically process horticulture waste instead of dumping it." Govt officials said the move addressed repeated complaints from residents welfare associations and schools about heaps of pruned branches and fallen trees lying along roadsides for days, leading to foul smells, blocked footpaths and inconvenience to commuters. Similar facilities have been completed at Patparganj Industrial Area, Secretariat Nursery, Mukarba Chowk Nursery, Lajwanti Nursery in west Delhi, Sukhdev Vihar and RK Puram, while six more are planned in the next phase. The long-term plan, officials said, is to set up at least one facility in every district to ensure decentralised waste management.The compost generated at the plants will be reused by PWD's horticulture wing for maintaining central verges, roadside plantations and gardens. Officials said the initiative would reduce waste dumping, cut transportation costs and improve soil quality. It will also help prevent drain blockages during monsoon and reduce traffic disruptions caused by unattended green waste, govt said.