Gujarat Tops Major States in Urban Legacy Waste Cleanup, Reclaims 902 Acres

Gujarat has emerged as the leading major state in the scientific disposal of urban legacy waste, having processed 273.33 lakh metric tonnes out of 304.09 lakh tonnes identified. This extensive cleanup campaign has already reclaimed an estimated 902 acres of land for productive use, including processing plants and green spaces like Miyawaki forests. The state government, aligning with Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0, has allocated Rs 75 crore under the Nirmal Gujarat 2.0 scheme to support this effort. With a target to achieve 100% legacy waste remediation by March 2026, Gujarat is setting a national benchmark for creating cleaner and more sustainable cities.

Key Points: Gujarat Leads in Legacy Waste Disposal, Aims for 100% by 2026

  • Leader in legacy waste disposal
  • 902 acres of land reclaimed
  • Targeting 100% remediation by 2026
  • Part of Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0
2 min read

Gujarat leads among major states in urban legacy waste disposal; 273.33 lakh metric tonnes of waste disposed so far

Gujarat has disposed of 273 lakh MT of legacy waste, leading major states. The state reclaimed 902 acres of land and aims for 100% remediation by 2026.

"urbanisation is not a problem but an opportunity. - Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel"

Gandhinagar, January 3

Government of Gujarat, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, continues to work towards making cities green, clean, and livable, guided by the mantra that 'urbanisation is not a problem but an opportunity.'

This aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for urbanisation, laying a strong foundation for planned urban development, a robust municipal system, and modern infrastructure across Gujarat.

Along with cleanliness and modern, sustainable infrastructure, the disposal of legacy waste (or old waste) is equally important for urban development. As a result of an extensive legacy waste disposal campaign, Gujarat has emerged as a leader among major states in legacy waste disposal, according to a release.

A total of 304.09 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste has been identified across the urban areas, of which 273.33 lakh metric tonnes have been scientifically disposed of so far. Building on this progress, the Gujarat government aims to achieve 100% legacy waste remediation by March 2026.

The Urban Development Department has focused on improving cleanliness, modern and sustainable infrastructure, and the overall ease of living for people in cities, contributing significantly to urban development. Notably, Gujarat has consistently led among major states in the scientific disposal of legacy waste accumulated in dumpsites. Effective legacy waste management, a crucial aspect of urban development, not only reduces pollution and health hazards but also converts reclaimed land into productive spaces, supporting development projects and expanding green spaces, the release stated.

By clearing dumpsites across municipal areas, the state government has reclaimed an estimated 902 acres of land. The land will be put to productive use, including constructing processing plants. Notably, authorities have scientifically disposed of the Bopal-Ghuma dump site in Ahmedabad and the Nakravadi dump site in Rajkot, and established a Miyawaki forest. This scientific disposal has significantly reduced methane emissions and effectively addressed the problems caused by waste burning at these sites, the release stated.

The Gujarat government is taking decisive steps to strengthen environmental protection, public health, and urban development by scientifically disposing of accumulated legacy waste in cities. Under the Nirmal Gujarat 2.0 scheme, Rs 75 crore has been allocated to Urban Local Bodies for legacy waste management. Aligned with 'Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0', the initiative is driving the state towards "Garbage Free Cities." Through these initiatives, Gujarat is setting a benchmark for other states in creating cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable cities, the release added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great progress, but the real test is sustainability. I hope the processing plants they build are properly maintained and don't become white elephants. Also, what about reducing waste generation at source? That's equally important.
A
Aditya G
Reclaiming 902 acres of land is no small feat! That's valuable urban space that can be used for parks, community centers, or affordable housing. This is smart urban planning. Hope they involve citizens in deciding the use of this land.
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Sarah B
As someone who has lived in Ahmedabad, the improvement in air quality near the old dump sites is noticeable. Reducing methane and stopping waste burning is a huge win for public health. Keep it up!
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Karthik V
The allocation of ₹75 crore under Nirmal Gujarat 2.0 is a good step, but is it enough for the entire state? Legacy waste disposal is expensive. Transparency in how these funds are used by local bodies is crucial.
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Meera T
Finally, some positive news on the environment front! Turning trash into treasure by reclaiming land. My only request: please ensure the new processing plants don't become a nuisance for people living nearby. Learn from past mistakes.

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