Indian cities are rapidly expanding, with a surge in public and private construction projects such as residential and commercial complexes, transportation infrastructure, and public amenities. However, this development comes at a cost—an alarming increase in construction and demolition (C&D) waste.
As cities grow, old infrastructure is demolished to make way for modern structures. This generates massive waste, including concrete, asphalt, bricks, and hazardous materials. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change introduced the C&D Waste Management Rules in 2016 to regulate waste disposal. These rules mandate waste segregation, responsible disposal, and recycling. However, enforcement remains weak, leading to illegal dumping along riverbanks, exacerbating urban flooding risks.
Construction waste has been a significant contributor to environmental degradation. Despite regulations, illegal dumping continues, narrowing riverbeds and encroaching on flood zones. Reports suggest millions of tonnes of debris have been dumped into rivers, worsening flood disasters in cities like Pune and Mumbai.
To combat this, sustainable construction practices, recycling initiatives, and strict policy enforcement are essential. Authorities must ensure compliance to prevent environmental damage and safeguard urban infrastructure. Without urgent intervention, India’s rapid urbanization may come at an irreversible environmental cost.
