New Delhi, Apr 15 (KNN) After years of delays, Delhi is finally moving forward with plans to establish its first electronic waste (e-waste) eco park in Holambi Kalan, according to senior officials.

The Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) has finalised the blueprint for the ambitious 21-acre facility and is currently inviting private partners to develop it on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis.

The integrated e-waste management complex will feature decontamination units, dismantling zones, refurbishing factories, recycling units, a testing facility and a training centre. The private operator will invest in construction and equipment, generating revenue from sale of recycled products, refurbished components and training courses.

This regulated space aims to provide a sustainable solution for Delhi's 2.3 lakh tonnes of annual e-waste, which currently ends up in landfills or is crudely processed by the informal sector, violating environmental norms. In parallel, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi is empaneling new e-waste collection agencies across the city.

However, the long-awaited project has been mired in delays. Originally targeted for completion by 2023-end, the eco park's construction is now only expected to commence by April 2024 after finalisation of the private partner. It will likely take 18 months to become operational, pushing the timeline to 2025 at the earliest.

Delhi generates 9.5 per cent of India's e-waste, which includes computers, mobile phones, household appliances and medical equipment. Lack of a regulated handling facility has allowed unscientific disposal, posing health and environmental hazards. The proposed eco park hopes to finally streamline the entire e-waste management supply chain in the capital.

(KNN Bureau)