The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a substantial tender worth ₹23.68 billion for the bioremediation of legacy waste at Mumbai’s Deonar dumping ground—infamously known as “Mount Garbage” due to waste mounds as tall as 12-storey buildings. The project is among the largest solid waste management efforts undertaken by the civic body in recent years.
The initiative aims to treat and dispose of approximately 18.5 million tonnes of legacy waste, accumulated over decades, and reclaim around 110 hectares (272 acres) of land. The contract will span three years, with provisions for mobilisation and monsoon delays, and will commence upon the issuance of a letter of acceptance or service order.
The timing of the tender has raised eyebrows, as it follows the October 2024 allocation of 124 acres of the 311-acre Deonar site to the Adani Group-led Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP). The land is earmarked for rental housing for Dharavi residents not eligible for free homes, sparking concerns over the use of an active landfill emitting hazardous gases for residential development.
Civil society groups, including the Watchdog Foundation, have questioned the financial prudence of the move. “Bioremediation is welcome, but why should taxpayers bear ₹23.68 billion in costs for land handed over to a private developer?” asked advocate Godfrey Pimenta, calling for a review and independent inquiry.
In response, Kiran Dighavkar, Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Solid Waste Management), defended the initiative, stating that biomining is a legal requirement. “Both the Mulund and Deonar landfills must be cleared. At Mulund, we’ve treated 6 million tonnes over six years. Deonar, with nearly 20 million tonnes, is our next focus,” he said.
The project is seen as crucial for improving public health and reclaiming urban land.
Source: Construction World
