Varanasi: Varanasi’s civic administration has introduced a quiet but impactful sustainability model by converting used clay lamps and other construction debris into valuable building material. The initiative, led through the city’s Construction & Demolition (C&D) Waste Processing Plant in Ramna, reflects how efficient waste management can contribute to both environmental protection and economic value.
After major festivals, including Dev Deepawali, the Municipal Corporation collects thousands of clay lamps from ghats and public spaces. These are segregated, transported to the C&D plant and crushed along with other demolition waste. The resulting brick powder is sold at Rs 120 per ton, while bigger, good-quality fragments such as BSB 40–250 mm pieces and screened soil are priced at Rs 325 per ton, finding use in road construction, filling low-lying land and laying building foundations.
Explaining the process, Dr Navneet Kumar, Solid Waste Management Consultant deputed by the Central Pollution Control Board, said the plant processes up to 100 tons of debris daily, including old bricks, cement blocks and RCC chunks. 'The machines classify the crushed material into brick powder, screened soil, RA 10 mm and BSB 40–250 mm categories, all of which are reused in construction. Even clay lamps collected after festivals are recycled in the same manner,' he said.
Emphasising the rationale behind the initiative, Dr Kumar added, 'Creating value from waste is the true identity of a smart city - transforming burnt lamps and debris into resources is a victory for both the environment and the economy.'
Officials said an additional unit is being installed at the plant to manufacture brick tiles and paving blocks. Once operational, the lamps that earlier ended up in landfills will be turned into finished construction products, reducing dependence on fresh raw material and cutting the carbon footprint of urban development.
This sustainable model of Varanasi administration - where cultural remnants are channelled back into city-building - demonstrates how governance, technology and sustainability can converge. By converting waste into durable construction resources, the city has set an example for urban centres across India aiming to build greener, more resilient infrastructure.
BI Bureau
