NEW DELHI: In a major push towards sustainable urban development and citizen-led environmental conservation, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Sunday certified Sangli Apartments at Copernicus Marg as its eighth ‘Anupam Colony’. The recognition highlights the residential complex’s outstanding efforts in waste management, recycling, and environmental sustainability.
NDMC Chairperson Shri Keshav Chandra unveiled the official plaque at Sangli Apartments, officially granting the colony the prestigious title under NDMC’s Zero-Waste and Sustainability Initiative.
The ‘Anupam Colony’ programme is part of NDMC’s larger vision of transforming residential neighbourhoods into self-sustaining, environmentally conscious communities that actively participate in waste reduction and resource conservation.
Residents’ Participation Key to Success
Addressing the media after the plaque unveiling ceremony, NDMC Chairperson Shri Keshav Chandra congratulated the residents and praised their enthusiastic participation in making the initiative successful.
He said Sangli Apartments has become the eighth colony to receive the certification and the first defence services residential colony to achieve this distinction.
According to him, one of the biggest strengths behind the colony’s success has been the active involvement of residents in scientific waste management practices.
Five-Bin Segregation System Implemented
The colony has adopted a detailed five-bin segregation mechanism that allows waste to be separated at the source itself.
The segregation process includes categories such as clothes, toys, cardboard, plastic and glass to recover recyclable materials effectively and minimise waste generation.
Additionally, waste is further divided into sanitary waste, special care waste, wet waste, horticultural waste and electronic waste to ensure proper scientific treatment and disposal.
NDMC officials stated that such micro-segregation significantly reduces the amount of waste reaching landfills and promotes maximum resource recovery.
Going Beyond Existing Waste Management Rules
Shri Keshav Chandra said Sangli Apartments has gone beyond standard waste management requirements.
The colony has installed four additional bins to separately collect domestic hazardous waste and other categories as mandated under Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules 2026.
He emphasised that NDMC is implementing advanced waste management systems in various colonies with strong cooperation from residents.
He added that community ownership remains the backbone of the initiative’s success.
A Milestone Towards Zero-Waste Neighbourhoods
The NDMC chief described Sangli Apartments’ certification as another important milestone in the civic body’s ongoing journey towards establishing zero-waste neighbourhoods throughout the capital.
He said the initiative contributes directly to reducing dependency on landfills, encouraging resource recovery and promoting a circular economy model.
The ‘Anupam Colony’ certification is awarded only to residential colonies that achieve complete waste segregation at source and scientifically process waste within their premises.
NDMC believes such initiatives can significantly contribute to sustainable urban development and environmental preservation.
Comprehensive Waste Management Ecosystem Established
Shri Keshav Chandra highlighted several initiatives undertaken by Sangli Apartments that enabled it to qualify for the certification.
These include:
100% Waste Segregation at Source
Every household in the colony actively segregates waste before disposal, ensuring efficient waste processing.
On-Site Composting of Wet Waste
Household wet waste is converted into compost within the colony premises and reused productively.
Material Recovery Facility (MRF)
Dry waste undergoes scientific segregation and management through a dedicated Material Recovery Facility.
RRR Centre and ‘Neki Ki Diwar’
The colony has established a Reduce, Reuse and Recycle centre along with the ‘Neki Ki Diwar’ initiative that encourages residents to donate reusable items for community benefit.
Scientific Processing of Horticultural Waste
Garden and plant waste generated within the colony is scientifically processed instead of being discarded.
Environmental Awareness Activities
Residents actively participate in awareness campaigns and initiatives promoting sustainable living practices.
Residents Express Pride Over Achievement
President of Sangli Apartments, Air Commodore Shri Umesh P. Nagarale, thanked NDMC for conferring the prestigious recognition upon the colony.
He said the achievement holds special significance because Sangli Apartments has become the first Defence Officers’ residential colony to receive the ‘Anupam Colony’ designation. He added that maintaining cleanliness and greenery has always been a priority for residents.
According to him, introducing scientific waste segregation at the source will further strengthen existing environmental efforts. He also appreciated NDMC for continuously enhancing cleanliness and green cover throughout New Delhi and assured full cooperation for future sustainability initiatives.
Senior Officials and Residents Attend Ceremony
The plaque unveiling ceremony witnessed participation from several senior NDMC officials and local representatives.
Those present included Dr Shakuntala Shrivastava, Medical Officer of Health, NDMC; Sangli Apartments Secretary Wing Commander Shri Amitabh Ranjan; heads of various NDMC departments; sanitation workers and members of local Residents Welfare Associations.
The event highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between citizens and civic authorities in achieving environmental goals.
Eight Colonies Have Now Earned ‘Anupam Colony’ Status
With the inclusion of Sangli Apartments, NDMC has certified eight residential colonies under the initiative.
These are:
- Chanakyapuri (D-1, D-2 and Satya Sadan Officers’ Flats) – June 2025
- Bharti Nagar – July 2025
- Aradhana (Burmah Shell Cooperative Housing Society Ltd.) – 2025
- Bapu Dham – September 2025
- New Moti Bagh – October 2025
- Kaka Nagar – February 2026
- Jor Bagh – May 2026
- Sangli Apartments – June 2026
NDMC Calls for Greater Citizen Participation
NDMC reiterated its appeal to Resident Welfare Associations and citizens across New Delhi to actively participate in sustainable waste management practices. Officials believe that community-driven environmental initiatives can help transform the national capital into a cleaner, greener and more sustainable city.
The civic body aims to expand the ‘Anupam Colony’ initiative to more residential areas in the coming years, making responsible waste management an integral part of everyday urban life.
As cities continue to grapple with increasing waste generation and environmental challenges, Sangli Apartments now stands as a model example of how collective action, scientific planning and citizen participation can create sustainable communities for the future.
