Chennai: Approximately half of the biomining work at the Perungudi dumpyard has been completed, and a new composting facility at the site is anticipated to be operational by June 30, according to Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) officials.
Progress of Biomining Project
The biomining project at the 225-acre dumpyard, initiated in 2021 with a budget of ₹350 crore, has successfully reclaimed 94 acres so far, stated GCC Commissioner Dr G S Sameeran. The dumpyard has been segmented into six remediation packages. Packages 3, 4, and 5 have been completed, and the commissioner has instructed officials to expedite the remaining work under the second phase.
Second Phase Details
The second phase of the project, costing ₹53.6 crore, involves processing 5.5 lakh cubic metres of legacy waste. Simultaneously, the reclaimed site is being prepared for new waste-processing infrastructure. The construction of a 100-tonne-per-day composting plant is expected to be finalized by June 30.
Challenges and Delays
Residents' groups highlighted that a prolonged dispute had impeded progress. Federation of Thoraipakkam Residents Welfare Associations president A Francis noted a two-year arbitration issue involving a contractor. After extensive delays, work has resumed. He remarked, “For the past two years, officials have been saying that the work is progressing. There is some fencing activity near the Ramsar site. Officials must ensure that the site is protected from dumping and encroachments.”
Expert Opinion on Composting Facility
Waste management experts emphasized that the compost plant would be effective only if source segregation is improved. Former state solid waste management committee member Geo Damin commented, “The new composting facility at Perungudi is a positive step and preferable to relying on large-scale mixed-waste processing plants, where waste is burnt, making the process more toxic. Decentralised systems are safer and more sustainable.” He added that such facilities can function effectively only if door-to-door collection and source segregation are implemented properly. “Without segregation at the household level, even composting plants will struggle to operate efficiently,” he concluded.
