Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been found to be lagging far behind in its quest to carry out scientific disposal of solid waste at the landfill sites. According to its environment status report, it has managed to dispose of only 32 per cent of the solid waste in a scientific manner.

According to BMC’s Environment Status Report (ESR) for 2017-18, the extent of scientific disposal of waste at landfill sites is only 32 per cent so far. The solid waste generated in the city is over 7,200-7,500 metric tonnes per day (MTPD). The garbage from all over the city is collected and disposed off at the two dumping sites at Deonar and Mulund, by simple dumping and
leveling method.

However, it has proved to be hazardous for the urban environment. The solid waste contains bio-gradable, non-biodegradable, construction, demolition and hazardous waste. Dumping of garbage also poses health hazard as it is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, flies and rodents, which may carry disease-causing pathogens. It also aggravates air pollution, ground water pollution and soil pollution.

To prevent this, the BMC has started scientific disposal of solid waste at landfill sites only. “The garbage is treated at Kanjur processing site using bio-methenation Technology. Scientific Closure Project of Gorai dumping has also been completed,” said a senior civic official. The civic body has requested the state environment department to give environment clearance for processing of MSW on additional land of 52.45 hectares at Kanjur, which is under CRZ-III. Once this request is granted, additional quantity of 1000 TPD of MSW can be processed at Kanjur with bioreactor technology.

The state has allotted BMC around 32.77 hectares of land at Mulund (E) near Airoli Bridge for development of scientific waste processing facilities. After receiving physical possession of the land, the BMC will undertake work for development of scientific waste processing facilities, said the official.

The state has also allotted BMC 52.10 hectares at Karwale (Kh.) near Taloja for development of waste processing facilities.