Dec 29, 2025: Okhla’s waste-to-energy plant makes it harder to breathe

When a waste-to-energy plant was first set up in Okhla, residents were told this is the solution to the capital’s waste woes. But for those living in the area, it is more of a problem than a solution. Residents describe black smoke, respiratory issues, asthma attacks, and multiple other everyday and long-term concerns.

According to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee, the nearest monitoring station to the plant is the Delhi Institute of Tool Engineering in Okhla, which reported an AQI of 311 (‘hazardous’). But when Team Aaj Ka AQI visited, we recorded the AQI to be 428 – which is so much worse.

Watch.

This show is part of a collaborative campaign to tackle air pollution. Here’s how you can join the Fight To Breathe. Click here to power this campaign.