Delhi is set to build the country’s first-of-its-kind e-waste eco park, with inspiration drawn from successful global models in Norway and Hong Kong. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa shared that the ambitious project will come up on a 11.4-acre site in Holambi Kalan, North Delhi, under a public-private partnership. The park aims to be a major leap toward tackling the city’s growing e-waste problem while creating jobs and supporting a circular economy.
Sirsa explained that experts are closely studying international facilities known for their sustainable and pollution-free operations. Norway is being considered for its environmentally friendly systems, and Hong Kong for its ability to manage e-waste facilities within city limits without harming air quality. The goal is to implement cutting-edge recycling and metal recovery technologies that don’t pollute or rely on landfills.
The eco park will follow the DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer) model, meaning a private firm will handle the project’s construction and operations before handing it over to the government. This model ensures both long-term accountability and high-quality execution. The project, with a capital cost of ₹150 crore and expected operational costs exceeding ₹325 crore, is scheduled for completion within the next 18 months.
A key focus of the facility will be to meet net-zero emission standards, while being surrounded by a thick green belt, making it one of India’s most environmentally conscious industrial projects. The eco park is expected to significantly cut pollution levels in Delhi and support local livelihoods through skill development and job creation.
Once fully operational, it will handle 25% of Delhi’s annual e-waste—approximately 51,000 metric tonnes—across 106 e-waste categories as per the E-Waste Management Rules, 2022. It will also feature zones for dismantling, refurbishing, component testing, plastic recovery, and even a second-hand electronics marketplace. Training and upskilling centres will also be set up to formally integrate informal sector workers into the new system.
India currently generates more than 1.6 million metric tonnes of e-waste each year, growing at a rate of 23%, with Delhi accounting for nearly 9.5% of that. Yet only about 17.4% of global e-waste is properly recycled, causing massive losses in valuable materials like copper, lithium, and rare earth metals—estimated at around $57 billion.
A high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta finalized the plan to invite global bids for the project through the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC). According to government sources, Delhi is one of the first regions to dedicate land and financial support for such a facility, aligning with the national push towards circular economy solutions. The eco park is also expected to generate over ₹350 crore in annual revenue once it's up and running.
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