"This is an important move forward as construction and demolition of buildings cause enormous waste - about half of all materials used - that degrades land and environment," said Anumita Roychowdhury, head of Centre for Science and Environment's sustainable urbanisation team.
The Delhi government has issued an advisory on the use of products made out of recycled waste by the Public Works Department (PWD).
"We urge the Delhi government to take the next steps to announce a composite policy on C and D waste like other states for improved collection, segregation and handling of waste.
"Organise more decentralised collection and recycling centres. Penalise wrongful disposal and littering and implement tax measures to lower cost of recycled products to make them competitive. At the same time, take steps to build public awareness," Roychowdhury said.
All Delhi government agencies will be required to incorporate a clause in their tenders that mandates use of a minimum of 2 per cent recycled products from construction waste in all future contracts for building works and 10 per cent recycled products for road works, CSE said.
The green body said that Delhi is estimated to generate about 4,000-4,600 tonnes per day (TPD) of C and D waste. This waste is inert but bulky and is either dumped in city landfills or in open spaces, water bodies and flood plains.