CAQM undertakes comprehensive review of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management across NCR States/ NCT of Delhi and issues targeted directions for strengthening implementation The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has recently undertaken a detailed review of the status of MSW management for prevention of MSW burning across the NCR States and the NCT of Delhi. The review was conducted through a series of meetings with the concerned NCR State Governments/ GNCTD, Municipal Bodies and NCR State Pollution Control Boards/ DPCC to assess the status of MSW management, with particular emphasis on the prevention of open burning of waste biomass, remediation of legacy waste, augmentation of processing facilities and compliance with Statutory Directions. The Commission noted that MSW management continues to remain a critical area requiring sustained attention, particularly in view of its direct impact on air quality in the NCR, especially during the winter months. Key Outcomes of CAQM Review on MSW management in NCR NCT of Delhi: Persistent incidents of open MSW and biomass burning observed despite availability of infrastructure, indicating gaps in enforcement, segregation and monitoring. MCD was directed to complete remediation of 143.09 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of legacy waste by December 2027, with a mandated processing rate of approx. 3.5 LMT per month and submission of monthly progress reports. Immediate augmentation of waste processing facilities directed, without any extension of timelines. Enhanced surveillance of garbage-vulnerable points, spill-free transportation of waste, and intensified IEC-led door-to-door segregation directed. Bulk Waste Generators to ensure on-site wet waste processing within one month; accelerated rollout of 100% Zero Waste Colonies. DPCC tasked with strict monitoring of Waste-to-Energy plants, fly ash disposal, verification of municipal data, and monthly compliance reporting to CAQM. Haryana (NCR): Significant delays noted in legacy waste remediation and processing infrastructure, particularly in Gurugram, Faridabad and Sonipat. Municipal Corporation Gurugram directed to complete tendering for remediation of 14 LMT of legacy waste by 20th January 2026 and commence biomining by 31st March 2026. Faridabad MC instructed to identify land for decentralised processing facilities within two months and operationalise plants by April 2026. All concerned ULBs directed to enforce wet waste processing by Bulk Waste Generators, expedite 100% Zero Waste Colonies, and strengthen segregation and collection systems within defined timelines. Strengthened surveillance of garbage vulnerable points to prevent open burning and improved field operations, including heater arrangements, directed. HSPCB reiterated as nodal agency for data validation and consolidated compliance reporting to CAQM. Uttar Pradesh (NCR): Delays in legacy waste remediation, uneven segregation practices and coordination gaps observed in certain urban areas. GNIDA and Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam directed to complete legacy waste remediation within committed timelines and submit monthly action plans. Noida Authority, GNIDA and Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam instructed not to seek further extensions for commissioning of waste processing facilities. Mandatory spill-free waste transportation, identification of dumping/burning-prone transit points, and achievement of 100% end-to-end segregation across all wards. Enhanced surveillance, strict prevention of horticulture waste burning, and priority redressal of public complaints directed. UPPCB tasked with resolving jurisdictional issues, ensuring inter-agency coordination, and forwarding validated data to CAQM. Rajasthan (NCR): Progress on legacy waste remediation, segregation and prevention of open burning found to be inadequate in Bharatpur, Alwar and Bhiwadi. ULBs directed to complete remediation of legacy waste within committed timelines and submit monthly target-based action plans. Proactive augmentation of waste processing facilities ordered, without further timeline extensions. Achievement of 100% waste segregation across wards to be supported through focused IEC and staff capacity building. Enforcement of wet waste processing by Bulk Waste Generators, prevention of horticulture waste burning, and scaling up of Zero Waste Colonies mandated. Strengthened field monitoring, enhanced surveillance of vulnerable points, and prompt complaint resolution directed. RSPCB reiterated as nodal agency for verification and reporting of compliance to CAQM. All concerned agencies to continue submitting periodic compliance reports. The Commission to closely monitor implementation, undertake follow-up reviews and take appropriate action, wherever required.