The construction and demolition (C&D) waste processing facility in Ludhiana is on the verge of completion, with city officials anticipating it will commence operations within the next 10 days.
Located in the Dhandhari area, the facility is intended to handle a minimum of 100 tonnes of construction waste each day — a crucial measure as debris from both residential and commercial developments continues to obstruct green spaces, public parks, and canal banks. The municipal corporation has confirmed that the construction of the facility and the installation of machinery have been finalized, with only minor technical adjustments pending. Officials are contemplating a formal inauguration ceremony prior to the commencement of operations.
The construction has been completed, and the installation of machinery is nearly finalized. Executive Engineer Balwinder Singh stated that the plant will soon be operational. This project was initially proposed nearly five years ago following an order from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for local authorities to manage the increasing construction debris.
Originally it was part of the Smart City Mission, later transferred to the Swachh Bharat Mission due to delays and escalating costs. Initially estimated at ₹2.69 crore for structural work, the cost surged to ₹7.5 crore after it was revealed that the chosen site was a former dumpsite.
Extensive groundwork, including the removal of waste and the construction of foundation pillars, extended the timeline significantly. Ultimately, tenders were awarded at ₹7.3 crore, with an additional ₹2.2 crore designated for machinery.
Despite the establishment of six disposal sites across Ludhiana to manage construction debris, illegal dumping remains a significant issue, particularly in areas such as Buddha Nullah, Model Town Extension, Dugri, and green belts. The designated disposal sites are located at Chandigarh Road, Dhandhari Kalan, Rahon Road, Barewal, Jugiana, and Kanganwal, but ineffective enforcement and public noncompliance have hindered these initiatives. The new facility is expected to change this situation.
Once operational, it will convert crushed construction debris into products like tiles, a strategy that civic authorities believe could effectively tackle both waste management and the supply of building materials. The launch of this plant will represent a notable achievement in Ludhiana’s efforts to improve waste management, which has faced challenges such as funding shortages, bureaucratic delays, and land-use issues.
