Out of the seven legacy waste dumpsites identified in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the Rajya Sabha that remediation work has been finished at four dumpsites. The dumpsites earmarked for remediation include three in Delhi and one each in Gurugram, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad.
For pollution control from municipal solid waste and legacy waste, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) issued a directive on January 27, 2021, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. This mandated all State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)/Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) to ensure necessary actions for biomining and bio-remediation of legacy waste dumpsites.
Additionally, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) directed agencies in the NCR to address legacy waste management at sanitary landfill sites and dumpsites. This was to combat air pollution caused by open burning of municipal solid waste and open biomass generating harmful pollutants in the region.
The Central government has introduced the Solid Waste Management Rules (SWM) Rules, 2026, replacing the earlier SWM Rules, 2016. These new rules, effective from April 1, 2026, focus on the proper and efficient management of municipal solid waste, including sanitary landfills.
According to the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, sanitary landfilling involves the safe disposal of residual solid waste with protective measures against various forms of pollution. The rules outline the establishment, construction, operation, and maintenance of Sanitary Landfills by local bodies through eligible agencies.
The rules also specify the responsibility of the District Magistrate to ensure that Sanitary Landfills operate in compliance with the provisions. They further require audits by the State Pollution Control Board, Pollution Control Committee, or a registered environment auditor to ensure environmentally sound disposal of certain types of waste.
