BMC Issues Rs 23.7 Bn Tender for Deonar Waste Cleanup

22 May 2025 CW Team

The project will focus on the bioremediation of 18.5 million tonnes of legacy waste and the disposal of excavated, processed, and segregated materials. The initiative is expected to reclaim approximately 110 hectares (272 acres) of land at Deonar.

The contract will span three years, including time for mobilisation and monsoon delays, and work will commence upon the issuance of a letter of acceptance or service order.

The timing of the tender is significant, as 124 acres of the 311-acre Deonar site were allocated in October 2024 to the Adani Group-led Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) for the construction of rental homes for residents not eligible for free housing in Dharavi. This decision has sparked controversy, given the site’s status as an active landfill emitting toxic gases.

Civil society groups have raised concerns about the timing and financial implications of the tender. The Watchdog Foundation has called for an immediate halt to the process, questioning the use of public funds for a project that may ultimately benefit a private redevelopment scheme.

“Bioremediation is welcome, but why is BMC spending Rs 23.68 billion of taxpayers’ money on land already handed to a private developer?” asked advocate Godfrey Pimenta of the Watchdog Foundation. The group has demanded a full review and independent inquiry into the decision.

Kiran Dighavkar, Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Solid Waste Management), defended the initiative, stating that both the Mulund and Deonar sites hold vast quantities of legacy waste—Mulund with 6 million tonnes and Deonar with 20 million tonnes.

“Biomining is a statutory obligation. Regardless of the DRP, we must clean the land as per state government directives,” he said. “At Mulund, we’ve been working for six years and expect to reclaim 60 acres. Now, our focus is on Deonar.”

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has floated a major tender worth Rs 23.68 billion for the remediation of legacy waste at the Deonar dumping ground—infamously dubbed “Mount Garbage” due to waste piling as high as a 12-storey building. The project, one of the largest solid waste management initiatives in recent years, aims to clear decades-old waste from one of Mumbai’s oldest landfill sites.The project will focus on the bioremediation of 18.5 million tonnes of legacy waste and the disposal of excavated, processed, and segregated materials. The initiative is expected to reclaim approximately 110 hectares (272 acres) of land at Deonar.The contract will span three years, including time for mobilisation and monsoon delays, and work will commence upon the issuance of a letter of acceptance or service order.The timing of the tender is significant, as 124 acres of the 311-acre Deonar site were allocated in October 2024 to the Adani Group-led Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) for the construction of rental homes for residents not eligible for free housing in Dharavi. This decision has sparked controversy, given the site’s status as an active landfill emitting toxic gases.Civil society groups have raised concerns about the timing and financial implications of the tender. The Watchdog Foundation has called for an immediate halt to the process, questioning the use of public funds for a project that may ultimately benefit a private redevelopment scheme.“Bioremediation is welcome, but why is BMC spending Rs 23.68 billion of taxpayers’ money on land already handed to a private developer?” asked advocate Godfrey Pimenta of the Watchdog Foundation. The group has demanded a full review and independent inquiry into the decision.Kiran Dighavkar, Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Solid Waste Management), defended the initiative, stating that both the Mulund and Deonar sites hold vast quantities of legacy waste—Mulund with 6 million tonnes and Deonar with 20 million tonnes.“Biomining is a statutory obligation. Regardless of the DRP, we must clean the land as per state government directives,” he said. “At Mulund, we’ve been working for six years and expect to reclaim 60 acres. Now, our focus is on Deonar.”

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

Recycling Leaders Push for Policy Reforms in India

As India prepares for the largest recycling-focused event in its history, industry leaders are making a strong case for policy reforms to unlock the country’s circular economy potential. Ahead of the Bharat Recycling Show (BRS) 2025, co-located with Plastics Recycling Show (PRS) India, a high-level panel discussion in Mumbai spotlighted the urgent need for regulatory clarity, digital innovation, and integration of the informal sector.Held under the theme “Unlocking Circular Value: Regulatory and Market Trends in Recycling”, the panel brought together prominent voices from across the recy..

Infrastructure Energy

13 Oct 2025

Environmental Hearing Set for 1000 MW Naying Hydro Project

The environmental public hearing for the 1,000 MW Naying hydroelectric project will take place on November 12 at Yapik community hall in Shi-Yomi district, Arunachal Pradesh, officials confirmed. The run-of-the-river project on the Siyom (Yomgo) river is being developed by the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO). Construction, including a concrete dam, underground powerhouse, and tunnel, is expected to commence around 2028, with commissioning planned by 2032. The project aims to generate approximately 4,966.77 GWh of electricity. The Naying project received Central Electricity ..

Infrastructure Energy

13 Oct 2025

India Achieves 490 MWh Energy Storage Capacity by June 2025

India’s cumulative energy storage capacity reached 490 MWh by June 2025, according to data released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Of this, more than 85 per cent is associated with renewable energy projects, primarily solar and wind, reflecting the country’s accelerated shift towards grid stability and clean energy integration. The CEA report highlights that 16 energy storage systems are currently operational across 10 states, with major installations in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. These include both standalone and co-located battery systems deployed by le..