CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
The Bombay High Court recently declared a significant portion of the Kanjurmarg landfill in Mumbai as a protected forest, potentially disrupting the city's primary waste management system. This ruling, which impacts nearly 90% of Mumbai's waste processing, has prompted the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to prepare an appeal to the Supreme Court, citing concerns over a possible waste disposal crisis.
Background Of Kanjurmarg Landfill
The Kanjurmarg landfill spans approximately 141.77 hectares and has been a crucial part of Mumbai's waste management infrastructure since it began operations in 2016. The site, originally designated as a protected forest due to its dense mangrove cover, was later permitted for landfill use following a Supreme Court directive in 2003. This decision allowed the BMC to handle the city's growing waste needs while maintaining some ecological safeguards.
Legal Disputes And Recent Ruling
On May 2, 2025, the Bombay High Court reversed a 2009 order that had removed the site's protected status. The court determined that any alteration of this status must adhere to the Forest Conservation Act of 1980, effectively restoring its status as a protected forest. This decision has revived longstanding legal debates about the site’s environmental impact and its suitability for waste processing.
Current Waste Management At Kanjurmarg
The Kanjurmarg facility handles approximately 6,500 tonnes of waste daily. Of this, roughly 4,000 tonnes are processed using bioreactor landfill technology, which accelerates waste decomposition and facilitates the recovery of materials like compost and refuse-derived fuel (RDF). The remaining 2,000 tonnes are sorted at a material recovery facility, where recyclables are separated from other waste.
Environmental And Health Concerns
The landfill’s operations have been a point of contention for local communities and environmental groups. Concerns include the release of foul odours, air pollution, and the potential for groundwater contamination. Some residents and NGOs have accused the BMC of violating environmental regulations, highlighting the public health risks associated with improper waste handling.
Impact Of Ruling On Mumbai’s Waste Management
Should the BMC’s Supreme Court appeal fail, Mumbai could face a severe waste management crisis. Experts estimate that clearing the existing waste at the Kanjurmarg site could take anywhere from 5 to 10 years, significantly straining the city's waste disposal capacity. The BMC is reportedly exploring alternative sites for waste processing, but land availability within Mumbai remains a critical challenge.
Community And Civic Response
Local communities have raised concerns about the health impacts of the landfill, calling for more sustainable waste management solutions. In response, the BMC has initiated public consultations to address these issues and outline potential future strategies. However, the path forward remains uncertain, as the city grapples with balancing environmental preservation and effective waste management.
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