With exponential urban population growth, Indian cities / municipalities were engrossed with numerous challenges related to environmental, social and health impacts. The aim of the project was to enhance the performance of Indian cities / municipalities with regard to MSW management by raising the environmental awareness through diagnostic assessment and other studies. The action focused on the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. The overall objectives of this project were to:

• Address the challenges of municipal solid waste (MSW) management in Indian cities/municipalities by identifying the issues of MSW management and enhance their performance by raising the environmental awareness;
• Facilitate the exchange of best practices and technology information between India and the EU that lead to EU-India cooperation and partnerships;
• Develop and promote environmental actions that are instrumental in improving environmental, social and health conditions related to MSW management.

The main activities were:

• Benchmarking and Best Practices (BBP) studies: Development of baselines, development of standards/norms for performance improvement termed as "benchmarks," identification of best practices and technological options for efficient management of MSW.
• Other diagnostic studies: Review of MSW management options, inventorization and characterization of MSW generated for Delhi; conduct feasibility of selected MSW treatment technological options, assessment of environmental, social and health benefits of the selected technological options; and conduct feasibility of CDM as additional financing source for selected MSW technological options.
• Awareness generation / sensitization of various stakeholders.