By adbnu564 
In a major step toward environmental cleanup and urban redevelopment, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has floated a ₹2,368 crore tender to clear the Deonar landfill using biomining techniques. This initiative is critical to prepare the site for relocating families as part of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) — a joint venture between the Maharashtra government and Adani Group.
Deonar Landfill to Be Cleared for Housing and Energy Projects
According to civic officials, the tender will cover cleaning up 110 hectares (271 acres) of waste-laden land. This includes the 124-acre plot earmarked in October 2024 for building residential units for residents being relocated from Dharavi, as well as land reserved for waste-to-energy (WTE) and bio-CNG plants.
The BMC aims to remove 185 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste using 1,200 vehicles to clear 2,300 MT of garbage per day. The project is expected to take three years to complete.
Biomining: A Sustainable Waste Management Solution
The BMC’s plan will use biomining—a method of treating solid waste through natural processes including exposure to air, sunlight, and microorganisms. This sustainable technique helps decompose organic material while isolating non-biodegradable items, which can then be recycled or treated. The initiative complies with the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016, which encourage biomining for environmental restoration.
Environmental Risks and Controversies
Despite the ambitious cleanup, the project has drawn scrutiny. An Indian Express investigation earlier revealed that relocating families to the Deonar site may violate environmental norms. A Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report highlighted that the landfill emits 6,200 kg of methane per hour, classifying it as one of India’s top 22 methane emission hotspots.
The CPCB mandates a 500-metre buffer zone between WTE plants and residential areas and a 100-metre no-development zone from landfill boundaries — rules that may be compromised under the current DRP site plan.
Legal Hurdles and Civic Accountability
Civic officials acknowledge that multiple portions of the Deonar site need to be cleared beyond the DRP-specific allocation. Critics, including environmental activists and urban planners, have raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the relocation strategy and potential long-term health hazards for future residents.