The Deonar landfill, Mumbai’s oldest and largest dump site covering 311 acres, has been in use since 1927. As part of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, the 124 acres of this dump site’s land has been marked to build housing units but first, the area must be cleared of its massive waste buildup. This process to clean the area is expected to take 6-7 years and cost over ₹1,000 crore.
According to data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the Deonar site holds about 2 crore metric tonnes of waste, with mounds as high as a 12-storey building. 80 lakh metric tonnes which is around 40% from the 2 crore metric tonnes, lies within the Dharavi Redevelopment Project’s designated area. From a similar approach used in reclaiming the Mulund landfill, BMC officials plan to use bio-mining, a scientific process involving natural elements like air and sunlight to decompose and treat the waste.
This time-consuming bio-mining process involves decomposing the biodegradable components while sorting non-biodegradable materials for recycling or other treatments. “To reclaim the Mulund landfill, bio-mining was started by 2019-20, and in the past five years, we have been able to remove half of the total waste. The land parcel in Deonar where houses are to be built is almost double the size of Mulund and the quantum of waste lying there is also more. As a result, it will take at least 6-7 years or more to reclaim the land from the waste,” explained a civic official.
Further complicating the project, toxic liquid from the landfill known as leachate is polluting the nearby water bodies. The court ordered the BMC to construct a boundary wall to prevent this but the confusion remains over whether the state government or BMC is responsible for executing it.
The ambitious Dharavi Redevelopment Project is a commendable step, yet the scale and cost of clearing Deonar’s waste highlight the challenge of managing Mumbai’s long-standing waste issues. Efficient waste management must be a priority to prevent such costly and time-intensive reclamations in the future. For the sake of future generations and a healthier life, Mumbai residents must prioritize responsible waste disposal by using designated bins and reducing litter.
The city’s streets often littered with garbage and cigarette butts, reflect a larger issue that impacts everyone’s quality of life. Embracing recycling and striving to produce minimal waste are not only better practices for today but are essential steps toward a cleaner and more sustainable Mumbai. Taking action now can ensure that the future generation can inherit a city that values cleanliness, health and the respect for the environment.
