Delhi’s zero-waste colonies are set to increase from more than 823 to over 1,200 after the Municipal Corporation of Delhi launched Reform Utsav 2026 and invited more than 400 potential bulk waste generator colonies and resident welfare associations to sign agreements aimed at improving local waste management.
The MCD began the programme on Saturday to promote segregation, processing and recycling of solid waste at the point where it is generated. The civic administration said existing zero-waste colonies and RWAs would share their experiences and methods with other neighbourhoods as part of the initiative.
Mayor Pravesh Wahi said the corporation was working continuously to convert more colonies and RWAs into zero-waste areas. She said Reform Utsav 2026 would also be used to create awareness about the new Solid Waste Management Rules 2026 and encourage local participation in waste processing and disposal.
According to the MCD, more than 400 colonies identified as potential bulk waste generators have been invited to work towards zero-waste status and sign memorandums of understanding with the corporation. The initiative is intended to expand the number of neighbourhoods that manage waste locally instead of sending the entire stream to landfill sites.
Sandeep Kapoor, chairman of the MCD’s Department of Environment Management Services committee, said the programme included demonstrations and information on segregating and processing waste at source. The corporation said decentralised waste-resource management would help reduce the quantity of waste reaching Delhi’s landfill sites and support the goal of “zero waste to landfill”.
The programme places particular emphasis on separating wet and dry waste, composting organic waste and increasing recycling. The MCD said these steps would contribute to the broader objective of processing 100 per cent of the waste generated in Delhi each day. The source report did not provide a city-wide daily waste generation figure or a deadline for achieving that target.
Municipal Commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar said the corporation was increasing sanitation resources across all wards to improve cleaning and waste collection services. He also said suggestions received from existing zero-waste colonies would be considered to strengthen on-site segregation, processing and disposal arrangements.
The MCD said the programme involved citizens, RWAs, bulk waste generators, non-governmental organisations and waste-management agencies alongside the civic body. The cooperation of these groups was presented as necessary for improving segregation, composting and recycling while reducing pressure on Delhi’s landfill sites.
The next steps identified by the corporation are the signing of MoUs with eligible colonies and RWAs, awareness activities under Reform Utsav 2026, and the expansion of ward-level sanitation resources.
