Chandigarh Municipal Corporation Advances New Sanitary Landfill Project for Inert Waste Disposal
The Municipal Corporation (MC) of Chandigarh has initiated a significant project to develop a new dedicated sanitary landfill (SLF) site specifically designed for dumping inert waste. This residual material remains after the processing of municipal solid waste, and the initiative aims to ensure scientific disposal in strict accordance with solid waste management rules while maintaining robust environmental safeguards.
Project Details and Funding Strategy
Estimated at approximately Rs 14 crore, the civic body has decided to seek full funding from the central government. The process for obtaining this financial support has already commenced, with the MC having prepared the complete project case, completed all required formalities and documentation, and submitted it to the Chandigarh administration. The UT administration will subsequently forward the proposal to the central government for approval and fund release.
According to sources, since the project falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), central funding is permissible. The proposal includes all related norms, technical requirements, and funding provisions necessary for consideration, addressing the future requirement of inert handling at the Dadumajra site.
Site Location and Capacity
The new landfill is proposed on nearly 8 acres of land that has been reclaimed through the removal of legacy waste at the existing Daddumajra dumpsite. The planned capacity of this new SLF site is approximately 1 lakh tonnes, providing a substantial solution for the city's waste management needs.
Current Landfill Status and Urgency
The MC currently operates an SLF on about 7 acres of land at the same site, with a storage capacity of nearly 80,000 tonnes. Constructed by the Chandigarh Smart City Limited (CSCL) in 2023, this existing SLF is expected to become fully saturated within the next two to two-and-a-half years. Once it reaches capacity, the MC will require an alternative site for inert disposal, making the new project timely and essential.
To prevent environmental violations, hazardous dumping, or legal issues related to waste management, the civic body has proactively initiated the new SLF proposal. This advance planning ensures continuity in compliant waste disposal practices and avoids potential disruptions.
Inert Waste Generation and Technical Requirements
As per records, 5% to 10% of inert waste is generated during garbage processing at Daddumajra. With 300 to 400 tonnes of garbage processed daily at the site's waste processing plant, a dedicated SLF is crucial to handle this inert fraction effectively.
The construction of the SLF includes a protective layer designed to prevent soil contamination, and the entire process must strictly adhere to environmental and related technical norms, as emphasized by a senior official. This technical nature necessitates compliance from design to construction, ensuring the project meets all regulatory standards.
Importance of the New Sanitary Landfill
Due to the high volume of daily waste processing and the unavoidable generation of inert residue, the MC asserts that a scientifically constructed SLF remains an essential requirement for the city's waste-management system. Officials highlight that this infrastructure is vital for maintaining environmental integrity and supporting sustainable urban development in Chandigarh.
The project underscores the municipal corporation's commitment to enhancing waste management practices, leveraging central support, and fostering a cleaner, more environmentally responsible cityscape for residents.
