Online Round Table: Another brick off the Wall

Addressing the problem of construction and demolition (C&D) waste in Indian cities

AUGUST 25, 2020 I 4-5 PM INDIA TIME

Construction and demolition (C&D) waste pose serious environmental and material challenges. Heaps of concrete, bricks, and metal waste from building construction and infrastructure choke our water bodies, green areas and public spaces in cities and outside. Huge amounts of toxic dust particles from the debris pollute the air. Rules to manage this waste were notified in 2016, but their implementation on the ground has remained a challenge. Recent critical policy developments are now expected to have a strong bearing on acceleration of C&D waste management in cities.

To begin with, the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims at reducing particulate pollution by 20-30 per cent by 2024 in about 122 cities that do not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Clean air action plans in these cities have included C&D management as part of the clean air strategy. The other big development is the 15th Finance Commission's direct allocation of Rs 4,400 crore to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for air pollution control. C&D management is the direct responsibility of ULBs, and this funding can catalyse transformation in cities. Thirdly, there is reason to believe that funding of cities to incentivise C&D management can strongly support the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan -- in fact, the Swatchh Sarvekshan 2021 has doubled the number of points for ranking of cities for C&D waste management.

Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) is convening a virtual Round Table to discuss its latest assessment of India's C&D waste management policy and practice. The assessment report, which will be officially released at this Round Table, presents a granular view of the ground reality in cities and the next steps.

We invite you to join the Round Table. Key regulators, implementing agencies, technical experts and representatives from the recycling industry are also expected to attend.

Please Note: We have limited seats in this virtual event. Attendees will be allowed to join on a first come-first served basis. Please register immediately, and try to join the webinar five minutes before its scheduled start.

For more details: Souparno Banerjee, souparno@cseindia.org, 9910864339