Neighbourhoods around Delhi’s waste-to-energy (WTE) plants — including Okhla, Ghazipur, Narela–Bawana and Tehkhand — are grappling with persistent air pollution that is severely affecting residents’ health and daily life. These plants burn thousands of tonnes of municipal waste each day to generate electricity, but in doing so release toxic pollutants that remain largely unregulated. Even during high-pollution days, WTE emissions continue unchecked as the plants fall outside emergency control measures such as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

Families living near these facilities describe acrid fumes, thick smoke and the smell of burning waste as an everyday ordeal. Conditions worsen in winter, making it difficult not only to go outdoors but even to remain indoors. For low- and middle-income households, the impact is especially severe as many depend on outdoor work, public spaces, or local schools. Chronic exposure contributes to respiratory illnesses, eye irritation, fatigue and long-term health problems.

Resident associations note that although GRAP applies to major power plants, WTE facilities remain outside its scope. “Not a single person here is without a disease. We can’t breathe properly,” said a resident near the Narela–Bawana plant, stressing the vulnerability of children, older persons and daily wage earners who cannot avoid exposure.

In Sukhdev Vihar, near the Okhla WTE plant, emissions have long affected surrounding areas including Jasola, Sarita Vihar, New Friends Colony and Haji Colony, impacting schools, hospitals and homes. Residents say measures such as installing air-quality monitoring stations and enforcing stricter controls could help, but progress has been slow or absent.

Delhi’s four operational WTE plants process more than 7,000 tonnes of waste daily, with a fifth proposed plant in Bawana awaiting approval. While these facilities address part of the city’s massive waste load, their unregulated emissions pose major public-health risks. Studies by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) confirm the release of hazardous pollutants, yet regulatory action has been limited. Experts call for real-time monitoring, tighter oversight and immediate curbs on emissions to protect vulnerable communities.

With more than 11,000 tonnes of municipal waste generated each day, WTE plants play a crucial role in Delhi’s waste management and energy supply. But for nearby residents—particularly low- and middle-income families—the cost is visible: constant exposure to toxic air, chronic illnesses and daily struggles for clean breathing space. These “forgotten hotspots” underscore the urgent need for stronger enforcement and immediate policy intervention to safeguard public health.