Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has floated a ₹2368 crore tender to remediate the Deonar landfill, one of Mumbai’s oldest and largest dumping grounds.
The project aims to clear 185 lakh tonnes of legacy waste over a three-year period, reclaiming approximately 110 hectares of land for redevelopment purposes, including housing for Dharavi residents. The Deonar landfill, operational since 1927, has long been a concern due to its environmental and health impacts. A 2024 report by the Central Pollution Control Board highlighted that the site emits over 6,200 kg of methane per hour, categorizing it among India’s top methane emission hotspots. The accumulation of waste, reaching heights equivalent to a 13-storey building, has posed significant challenges for the city’s waste management and public health.
The remediation process will employ bioremediation techniques, utilizing natural elements such as air, sunlight, and microorganisms to decompose biodegradable waste. Non-biodegradable materials will be segregated for recycling or appropriate disposal. The project aligns with the Union Ministry’s Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016, which mandate the clearance of legacy waste from existing dumpsites across India. BMC officials have outlined the logistical aspects of the project, stating that approximately 1,200 vehicles will be deployed daily to transport around 23,000 metric tonnes of waste. The entire operation is expected to span 36 months, accounting for a 12-month monsoon period during which bioremediation activities will be paused.
However, the initiative has sparked debate among various stakeholders. Environmentalists and public health experts have raised concerns about the proximity of the proposed redevelopment to the still-active landfill site. They argue that residual methane emissions and potential soil contamination could pose health risks to future residents. Moreover, opposition parties have questioned the financial implications of the project. Critics argue that public funds are being utilized to facilitate a redevelopment project that benefits private entities, referencing the joint venture between the state government and a private developer for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. They also highlight the BMC’s recent proposal to impose a waste management fee on Mumbai residents, suggesting that citizens are bearing the financial burden of the cleanup.
In response, BMC officials emphasize that the cleanup is a necessary step towards sustainable urban development and public health improvement. They assert that the reclaimed land will not only provide housing solutions but also contribute to the city’s efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change impacts. The project also faces logistical challenges, including the limited entry and exit points at the landfill site, which could hinder the movement of heavy vehicles. Additionally, the site’s proximity to the Vashi Creek necessitates careful planning to prevent environmental contamination during the remediation process. BMC is exploring the possibility of transporting waste via waterways to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust as an alternative.
As the tendering process progresses, the BMC plans to hold a pre-bid meeting later this month, with the selection of a contractor expected by next month. The successful execution of this project could serve as a model for other cities grappling with legacy waste issues, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable urban development and environmental stewardship.
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