The Telangana government has imposed stricter regulations on construction and demolition (C&D) waste management across three municipal corporations in the Hyderabad region, aiming to curb rampant illegal dumping amid rapid urban growth. The new rules, outlined in a government order (GO), restrict the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and approvals for construction projects unless developers adhere to stringent waste management requirements.
Key Compliance Requirements for Developers
Under the updated norms, approvals for all buildings, layouts, and demolition activities now require a mandatory undertaking against illegal dumping, proof of linkage with authorized C&D waste recyclers, a comprehensive waste management plan, and a waste utilization plan. The government has prohibited the dumping or disposal of C&D waste in open areas, roadsides, drains, nalas, water bodies, and other public spaces within the limits of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC), and Malkajgiri Municipal Corporation (MMCs). Violations will attract penal action.
Transport and Disposal Mandates
Officials stated that all C&D waste must be transported exclusively to authorized processing facilities. Disposal at unauthorized locations will be treated as a serious violation. The GO places complete responsibility on waste generators for the collection, segregation, storage, transportation, processing, disposal, and utilization of C&D waste in an environmentally sound manner.
Mandatory Use of Recycled Waste
In a push toward recycling and sustainable construction, the government has mandated the use of processed C&D waste in several sectors. Construction projects with a built-up area of 20,000 square meters or more, as well as all road and infrastructure works, must utilize processed C&D waste. This material must be used in sub-base and base layers, non-structural concrete works, paver blocks, kerbs, tiles, backfilling, and landscaping activities. Road projects are also required to incorporate recycled C&D waste in embankments, sub-grade and sub-base layers, shoulders, and medians.
Enforcement and Penalties
The GO further states that all road cutting permissions within GHMC, CMC, and MMC limits will require an undertaking against illegal dumping and proof of tie-up with authorized C&D waste recyclers. All commissioners, department heads, and nodal officers are responsible for enforcing these instructions. Any lapses will be viewed seriously, the order added.
