Kanjurmarg Landfill Crisis
The Bombay High Court’s recent ruling has declared portion of the Kanjurmarg landfill in Mumbai as a protected forest. This decision poses a serious challenge for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) as the site processes 90% of the city’s solid waste. The BMC plans to appeal to the Supreme Court to overturn this ruling, fearing an immediate waste management crisis if operations cease.
Background of the Kanjurmarg Landfill
The Kanjurmarg landfill occupies 141.77 hectares and has been the city’s primary waste disposal site since it became operational in 2016. It was initially designated as a protected forest due to its dense mangrove population. However, the BMC was allowed to use it as a landfill following a Supreme Court directive in 2003.
Legal Challenges and Rulings
The Bombay High Court’s ruling on May 2, 2025, reinstated the site’s protected forest status, quashing a 2009 decision that had de-notified it. The court ruled that any changes to this status must comply with the Forest Conservation Act of 1980. This ruling has reignited legal disputes surrounding the land’s use for waste management.
Current Waste Management Practices
The Kanjurmarg facility processes approximately 6,500 tonnes of waste daily. Of this, around 4,000 tonnes are treated through a bioreactor landfill process, while the remaining 2,000 tonnes are sorted at a material recovery facility. The bioreactor method allows for efficient waste decomposition and recovery of materials like refuse-derived fuel (RDF) and compost.
Environmental and Health Concerns
The landfill’s operations have raised environmental concerns, particularly regarding odour and pollution. Local NGOs have challenged the legality of the landfill’s operations, citing violations of environmental laws. The BMC’s practices have been scrutinised as waste is sometimes dumped openly, leading to health hazards for nearby residents.
Future Implications for Waste Management in Mumbai
If the BMC’s appeal is unsuccessful, Mumbai faces a potential waste management crisis. Civic officials estimate that clearing the existing waste at Kanjurmarg could take 5 to 10 years. The BMC’s plan includes seeking alternative locations for waste disposal, but land scarcity in Mumbai complicates this effort.
Community and Civic Response
Local communities have expressed concerns about the landfill’s impact on health and the environment. Activist groups have been vocal in demanding sustainable waste management solutions. The BMC’s response has included public meetings to address community concerns and outline future waste management strategies.
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