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Delhi is taking steady steps toward a cleaner and greener future. With a rising number of zero waste colonies being developed under the Swachhta Abhiyan, the capital city is setting an example in sustainable urban living. As per the latest report by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the city is aiming to certify 200 zero waste colonies by May 2027.
Delhi’s Green Progress So Far
Currently, Delhi boasts 633 certified zero waste zones. These include:
- 593 colonies (including residential welfare associations and group housing societies)
- 40 institutions
Collectively, these areas segregate and process around 100 tonnes of waste daily—a significant step in tackling the city's growing garbage problem.
What's Coming Next?
As per the MCD’s recent report to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta:
- 100 more areas are targeted to be added by May 2026, expected to handle 25 additional tonnes of waste per day.
- Another 100 colonies are in line for inclusion by May 2027.
This will bring the total to approximately 833 zero waste areas, including colonies and institutions.
What is a Zero Waste Colony?
A zero waste colony follows a structured waste management model:
- 100% segregation of wet waste, dry waste, sanitary waste, e-waste, and domestic hazardous waste.
- On-site processing through composting units and authorised recyclers.
- Decentralised disposal, meaning waste is managed within the colony premises—minimising transport needs and burden on landfills.
The Role of Harit Mitra and Sahbhagita Schemes
To accelerate adoption, the MCD launched two key schemes in 2022:
- Harit Mitra: Volunteers or staff appointed to manage parks and gardens, and oversee composting.
- Sahbhagita: Colonies achieving 100% waste segregation and processing get incentives such as:
- Utilisation of 10% of property tax or a rebate up to ₹1 lakh for development work.
- Colonies must maintain at least 90% property tax compliance to qualify.
As of now:
- 338 Sahbhagita colonies have been established.
- 255 Harit Mitra colonies are actively composting and maintaining green areas.
Challenges on the Path
Despite the growing number of certified colonies, the initiative faces hurdles:
- Limited space for composting infrastructure in crowded areas.
- Behavioral resistance and lack of awareness among residents.
- High standards and strict certification criteria.
- Operational costs and manpower required by RWAs to maintain zero waste status.
A resident from IP Extension notes, “It's hard to convince every household to cooperate daily. Plus, RWAs need to arrange staff, space, and even backups if compost plants fail.”
Encouraging Steps Ahead
To address resident concerns, MCD is considering removing the ₹1 lakh cap on development incentives and may soon announce user charge rebates for compliant colonies. These changes aim to make the zero waste transition more rewarding.
Why This Matters for Real Estate
A certified zero waste colony not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also boosts property value and livability. Clean surroundings, efficient waste management, and community participation are key factors buyers and renters are starting to prioritize. As sustainability becomes a decisive factor in urban planning, real estate stakeholders have much to gain from supporting green initiatives.
Conclusion
Delhi’s zero waste colony movement is a beacon for sustainable urban development. While challenges remain, MCD’s focused efforts and policy reforms are helping build cleaner, self-reliant communities. For real estate developers, RWAs, and environmentally conscious residents, this initiative presents an opportunity to lead by example.
FAQs
- What is a zero waste colony?
A colony that segregates and processes all its waste within its premises using composting and recycling systems. - How many zero waste colonies does Delhi have currently?
As of now, Delhi has 633 certified zero waste areas. - What is the target for May 2027?
Delhi aims to have around 833 certified zero waste colonies by May 2027. - What is the Harit Mitra scheme?
A program where individuals help maintain parks and manage wet waste composting in colonies. - What does the Sahbhagita scheme offer?
It incentivizes colonies with tax rebates for achieving 100% waste segregation and processing. - Why is zero waste certification important for real estate?
It enhances the colony’s appeal by promoting cleanliness, sustainability, and better living conditions. - Can unauthorized colonies also become zero waste?
Yes, but challenges like space and infrastructure need to be addressed first. - How can residents contribute?
By segregating waste daily, participating in colony-level efforts, and supporting their RWA's sustainability goals.