Kolkata: The Kolkata Municipal Corporation on Tuesday placed an integrated waste management plan before the West Bengal Pollution Control Board and the East Kolkata Wetland Authority, aiming to recycle 100% of the waste generated in Kolkata. KMC is seeking environmental clearance for the project, which proposes a large-scale upgradation, expansion of the existing Dhapa landfill complex.
Officials of WBPCB, however, asked KMC to return with a detailed project report, cautioning that any violation of the EKWs (Conservation and Management) Act would be detrimental to the project. The East Kolkata Wetlands, a Ramsar-designated ecosystem, is governed by strict regulations that prohibit permanent construction in ecologically sensitive zones.
The proposed integrated waste management facility includes multiple processing units, such as an engineered landfill, a hydro-testing centre for CNG, pellet manufacturing from high-calorific-value waste, organic manure production, thermocol and plastic recycling units, and a CNG bottling plant and refuse-derived fuel plant. Pollution control officials clarified that while permanent structures are not allowed in the wetland zone, semi-permanent facilities may be considered.
According to KMC officials, the city's waste burden increased sharply in recent years. Daily waste handling rose from about 4,500 tonnes to nearly 6,000 tonnes, following the inclusion of waste from Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation, New Town Kolkata Development Authority, Panihati Municipality, and neighbourhoods under Howrah Municipal Corporation. Compounding the problem is the presence of nearly 9 million tonnes of waste already present at Dhapa.
According to a KMC official, a consultant has been engaged to prepare a detailed project report. "We were advised to use bio-friendly materials for setting up the processing units. We will keep that in mind," said the official.
KMC officials emphasised the project does not involve the creation of a ‘third Dhapa' landfill. Instead, it is expansion and modernisation of the existing Dhapa complex, aimed at reducing pressure on Kolkata's only dump yard. The new facility is planned on a 73 hectare of land owned by KMC, adjacent to the existing landfill, where agricultural activities were carried out by local farmers. Land acquisition is under way. Officials said the plan, which also includes biomining and capping of old landfill sections is critical to extending the life of Dhapa.