Ingenious utilization of construction and demolition waste holds the key for ensuring the sustainable habitat in India.
Construction and Demolition Waste:
- It is generated during the construction, renovation, and demolition of buildings or structures. These wastes include materials such as concrete, bricks, wood and lumber, roofing, drywall, landscape and other wastes.
- 25-30 million tonnes of C&D waste is generated annually in India of which only 5 per cent is processed.
- It adversely impacts soil fertility.
- It creates health hazards in urban areas.
- It reduces demand for building materials thereby reducing demand for energy and water.
- It reduces the space for disposal of construction and demolition waste.
- It can create employment opportunities in recycling industries.
- It will promote affordable housing due to reducing the cost of building materials.
- Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016 tries to address the issue in a comprehensive way.
- Swachh Bharat Mission also entails the processing of Construction and Demolition waste.
- The Ministry of Urban Development directed States to set-up environment friendly C & D recycling facilities in all cities with a population of over 10 lakhs.
- Building Material & Technology Promoting Council in 2016 released “Guidelines for utilization of C & D waste in construction of dwelling units and related infrastructure.
- Thus the government is arming up itself in multiple ways to ensure creative utilization of the construction and demolition waste.