Delhi’s dairy sector is facing a major regulatory and waste-management challenge: a Delhi government assessment found that nearly 90% of the 557 dairy and gaushala units assessed were unauthorised. The report identified 500 unauthorised establishments housing around 22,540 cattle and generating approximately 274 metric tonnes (MT) of dairy waste every day.
Across all 557 assessed units, the combined cattle population was reported at more than 1.2 lakh, generating an estimated 1,500 MT of dairy waste daily. The assessment included 11 authorised commercial dairies, housing 60,210 cattle and generating 734 MT of waste per day, along with 4 authorised gaushalas housing 19,638 cattle and generating 240 MT daily, and 42 private gaushalas with 20,776 cattle generating 252 MT daily.
The report highlights serious waste-management concerns, with untreated cow dung, wash water and other organic waste reportedly entering open storm drains and sewer lines, contributing to blockages, foul odours and deterioration of water quality as untreated effluent reaches the Yamuna. Authorities also flagged wider public-health and safety concerns associated with unregulated dairy operations.
The findings are also linked to urban management issues, including cattle being released onto major roads and flyovers after milking, creating traffic disruption and accident risks. The report further highlighted poor biosecurity conditions and alleged links between unlicensed operations and the production of synthetic milk and adulterated paneer containing starch, chemical neutralisers and refined oils.
To address the waste burden, the Delhi government is reportedly planning high-capacity biogas treatment facilities at Ghazipur Dairy, Ghazipur Paper Market and Bhalswa Dairy, with proposed capacities ranging from 125 MT to 300 MT per day. The wider development underlines that for rapidly growing urban dairy clusters, regulatory authorisation, manure management, wastewater treatment and environmental compliance are becoming as important as milk production itself. (eDairyNews India)
Source: Dairynews7x7 29 Aug, 2026 Read full story here
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