LG Sandhu reviews Zero Waste Colony in Navjeevan Vihar

Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Tuesday reviewed “Zero Waste Colony” in Navjeevan Vihar in the city, saying it demonstrates how collective civic responsibility can contribute to a more sustainable urban environment.

According to the statement, the LG described the zero-waste model as “one of the best practices in Delhi”, while calling for its replication across the city, particularly in unauthorised and low-income group (LIG) colonies. Over 10 lakh kilograms of waste successfully diverted from Delhi’s landfills by the Navjeevan Vihar colony over the last eight years. During the visit, Sandhu inspected the colony’s Reduce-Reuse-Recycle (RRR) Centre, decentralised aerobic composting units, source-segregation mechanisms and rainwater harvesting system, the statement read.

The LG commended the community-led initiative and said it demonstrated how collective civic responsibility could contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment, it further read.

Highlighting the need to expand such initiatives, the LG directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to encourage Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to adopt similar self-sustaining models, the statement read.

“The LG also asked the civic body to explore funding mechanisms for replicating decentralised zero-waste and composting projects in less affluent colonies and to systematically tap Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for creating infrastructure such as Aerobins and RRR centres,” the statement read. Emphasising the need for behavioural change, the LG said, “Government agencies cannot achieve sustainable waste management without active public contribution and a deep sense of ownership among citizens.”

According to the statement, he stressed the importance of collective action, saying, “The journey from waste to wealth begins at home.”

Remarking that successful solutions were already emerging from within the city, the LG said, “There is no need to look to other cities or nations for solutions when such best practices are emerging from our own people.” He also urged RWAs across Delhi to prioritise source segregation at the household level.

Sandhu appreciated the efforts of the Navjeevan Vihar RWA and residents and noted that the colony had sustained the decentralised waste management model for nearly eight years.

According to an official statement, the colony has diverted more than 10 lakh kg of waste from Delhi’s landfill sites during this period through composting and recycling measures.

Reaffirming support for such initiatives, the Lieutenant Governor said, “Such collective RWA efforts deserve full institutional support and assistance.”

The LG also called upon stakeholders to “recognise their legal and environmental mandate, practise mindful resource utilisation, and work collectively towards building a secure, inclusive, and world-class Viksit Dilli.”