New Delhi: The government has intensified efforts to accelerate biomining and bioremediation of legacy waste, with 48% of India’s identified dumpsites already undergoing remediation under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) Urban 2.0. A total of 2,429 dumpsites covering over 14,000 acres and holding approximately 235 million metric tonnes (MT) of waste have been mapped across the country, according to an official report.
Of these, only 660 dumpsites have been completely remediated, accounting for 25% of the total. The Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 has set a target of achieving “Lakshya Zero Dumpsite” by 2026, requiring urgent action to clear nearly 2,000 remaining sites.
“The environmental impact of these dumpsites has been a longstanding issue, but biomining has proven to be an effective strategy for their reclamation,” the report stated. However, challenges remain in execution, including outdated standard operating procedures (SOPs) and financial constraints, particularly for smaller urban local bodies (ULBs). Stakeholders have called for revised guidelines to align with the current waste management landscape under SBM Urban 2.0.
To address funding limitations, the report suggested leveraging Finance Commission grants, corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds, and private sector investments. Additionally, the government has integrated biomining with infrastructure projects by using inert waste materials for road construction. Pilot projects on the Delhi-NCR highway and the Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway have demonstrated the feasibility of this approach.
The ministry of housing and urban affairs has urged faster implementation of biomining, emphasizing its role in waste management and environmental sustainability. The government remains committed to achieving its 2026 target by improving execution strategies and ensuring effective resource utilization for dumpsite remediation.
