MCD to enforce 15-point action plan for implementing new SWM rules

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has proposed a 15-point action plan that includes reviving zero-waste colonies and enforcing four-way segregation as part of its plan to implement the newly notified Solid Waste Management (SWM) rules.

Issued by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the SWM Rules 2026 will replace the 2016 framework and come into effect from April 2026. The MCD will revive existing zero-waste colonies and identify at least two to five new ones every month.

Zero-waste colonies are equipped with infrastructure for on-site waste management, including organic waste converters, composting machines and SWM plants. “This model represents best practice for segregation and processing at source with active resident and informal sector participation, reducing the load on landfills,” a senior MCD official said.

Awareness campaigns

The MCD issued a circular on February 9 outlining implementation directions for areas under its jurisdiction. The plan was finalised after a meeting chaired by MCD Commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar with zonal Deputy Commissioners and other stakeholders. Public awareness campaigns will be conducted before the new measures are implemented.

A key focus is enforcing four-way segregation of waste at source across all wards in the city’s 12 zones. The new rules mandate separation into wet, dry, sanitary and special care waste. Zonal Deputy Commissioners have been directed to prepare ward-wise, zone-specific blueprints and roll out pilot projects in phases.

New MRF sites

Under the rules, local bodies are responsible for the collection, segregation and transportation of waste in coordination with Micro Recovery Facilities (MRFs). Landfills will be restricted to non-recyclable, non-energy recoverable and inert waste. The MCD will identify new MRF sites and upgrade old or abandoned waste collection points into recovery facilities where waste pickers can sort recyclable materials. The circular also calls for integration of informal workers into the formal system with regular consultations and incentives.