Government Accelerates Remediation of Legacy Dumpsites Across India
The Indian government is making significant strides in addressing the legacy waste crisis by identifying a total of 2,488 dumpsites containing over 25 crore metric tonnes of waste. Currently, 1,138 of these dumpsites have been successfully remediated, while 1,020 are in progress. To date, approximately 15.51 crore metric tonnes, equivalent to 62% of the legacy waste, has been cleared, and efforts have reclaimed 8,484.15 acres of land, representing 56% of the targeted area.
Dumpsite Remediation Acceleration Programme (DRAP)
The government has launched the Dumpsite Remediation Acceleration Programme (DRAP) aimed at expediting the cleanup of 214 critical legacy waste dumps. These sites are responsible for 80% of the remaining waste, and the initiative seeks to transform this land for productive urban use while preventing the emergence of new dumpsites by September 2026. The program encompasses 200 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) dedicated to achieving full remediation of these challenging sites across the various states and Union Territories.
Central Financial Assistance for Urban Development
The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has allocated Central Financial Assistance amounting to ₹4,206 crore for projects valued at ₹10,308 crore. This funding is aimed at assisting 2,489 ULBs located in 29 states and Union Territories in their efforts to remediate legacy dumpsites. To further support DRAP, the Ministry plans to provide additional financial backing to cities based on individual micro-plans, estimating around ₹550 per tonne for waste remediation in accordance with the operational guidelines of Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban 2.0.
Encouraging Partnerships for Effective Remediation
In a bid to enhance the effectiveness of the cleanup efforts, cities have been urged to establish partnerships with corporations, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These collaborations will assist in various aspects of waste management, including financing, logistics, technical support, community engagement, and awareness campaigns.
Real-Time Monitoring of Progress
To ensure transparency and efficiency, an IT module has been developed to monitor progress at the identified remediation sites in real-time. This system integrates digital weighbridges whenever feasible, allowing for precise tracking of waste management efforts. The Ministry is also conducting regular reviews and field assessments to evaluate on-ground progress and address any obstacles promptly.
The Minister of State for Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Tokhan Sahu, shared this information during a written response in the Lok Sabha, highlighting the government’s commitment to reclaiming land and improving urban environments across the nation.
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