Agra Transforms Landfill Areas Under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban
Agra has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a toxic dumpsite into a model of sustainability and environmental conservation. The Agra Municipal Corporation has successfully implemented the 3R principles—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), marking a significant milestone in the city’s journey toward a cleaner future. This initiative not only showcases technological advancements but also emphasizes the importance of public awareness and sustainable development.
From Landfill to Green Space
In 2007, the Kuberpur area of Agra served as a typical landfill, where thousands of tons of solid waste were dumped daily. Over time, this site became a source of distress for the community, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. In 2019, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and guided by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Agra Municipal Corporation initiated a comprehensive plan to address the waste crisis. The process of removing legacy waste began through innovative bioremediation and biomining technologies, executed in collaboration with SPAAK Super Infra Pvt. Ltd. This marked the beginning of a significant transformation for the area.
Despite these efforts, the challenge of managing fresh waste persisted. To combat this, the corporation established a waste-to-compost plant with an initial capacity of 300 tons per day, later expanded to 500 tons. By 2023, the Municipal Corporation set an ambitious goal to completely clear the dumpsite and develop it into an Integrated Waste Management City, paving the way for a cleaner and greener Agra.
Innovative Waste Management Solutions
To enhance waste management efficiency, Agra has established four Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) with a combined capacity of 405 tons per day. The city has implemented a mandatory system for 100% source-level segregation of waste, along with door-to-door collection of segregated materials. This systematic approach ensures that waste is managed effectively and sustainably.
In addition to the MRFs, several specialized waste processing facilities have been set up to further streamline operations. By December 2024, approximately 1.9 million metric tons of waste had been removed from the dumpsite, reclaiming around 47 acres of land at an estimated cost of ₹320 crores. Of this reclaimed land, 10 acres have been transformed into green spaces using the Miyawaki afforestation technique, while five acres have been designated as a modern sanitary landfill for inert waste. The remaining area has been converted into an eco-friendly zone, with plans underway to develop a 10-acre urban forest.
Educational and Environmental Impact
In January 2025, Agra inaugurated a 65 tons per day MRF-cum-Plastic Waste Processing Plant, which recycles plastic waste into affordable water pipes for farmers. This initiative not only addresses waste management but also supports local agriculture by providing cost-effective solutions.
Today, the former dumpsite is recognized as the “Integrated Waste Management City of Agra.” It has been revitalized and now serves as a national model for effective urban governance and environmental protection. The center has also become an educational hub, attracting students and researchers from various institutions who come to learn about sustainable solutions and practices.
The Agra Municipal Corporation’s innovative approach aligns with the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0, representing a significant step toward sustainable waste management, land reclamation, and urban beautification. This transformation underscores the importance of community involvement and innovative strategies in creating a cleaner and more sustainable future for urban areas.
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