The West Bengal government has presented a comprehensive, time-bound action plan to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to address the severe solid waste management crisis at the critically saturated Belgachia dumpyard in Howrah. This comes after the NGT took suo motu cognisance of a report highlighting the site's dangerous condition.
A ₹196 Crore Roadmap for Waste Reclamation
In an affidavit filed by Joly Chaudhuri, director of the State Urban Development Agency (SUDA), the government outlined a two-pronged financial strategy. Nearly ₹96 crore has been sanctioned for large-scale bio-mining and land reclamation of legacy waste at the Belgachia Trenching Ground. This project, executed through the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA), aims to scientifically process approximately 10 lakh metric tonnes of accumulated waste at a rate of 2,000 tonnes per day, accounting for monsoon disruptions. The entire exercise is slated for completion by December 2027.
In a parallel move, an additional ₹100 crore has been earmarked for establishing a dedicated waste processing plant for the Howrah Municipal Corporation. This new facility will be built on a 16.7-acre plot at Baigachi Mouza and is also scheduled to be commissioned by December 2027. Until then, as an interim measure, segregated waste from door-to-door collection is being transported to Dhapa and Baidyabati dumping sites to prevent further pile-up at Belgachia.
Phased Rollout and Monitoring Framework
The affidavit notes that door-to-door collection and segregation have already commenced in 25 of Howrah's 50 wards. The state has a phased plan to cover all wards by March 31, 2026. Civic officials are tasked with finalising ward-wise micro-plans for collection, transportation, and segregation to ensure fresh waste does not become new legacy waste.
A tight monitoring framework has been established, as revealed in minutes of high-level review meetings. This includes weekly and fortnightly reviews by KMDA, monthly reviews chaired by the Principal Secretary of the Urban Development and Municipal Affairs department, and penalty clauses for agencies missing deadlines. The Howrah District Magistrate will oversee rehabilitation measures, including new housing for 60 families affected by the dumpyard.
Addressing Sewage and Future Compliance
The action plan extends beyond solid waste to tackle sewage and septage management, another chronic pollution source in the Belgachia belt. Major drains have been diverted to the 65-MLD Arupara sewage treatment plant, while septage is being co-treated at a faecal sludge treatment facility within the same complex. Pollution-abatement schemes for other critical canals are under preparation.
Environmental experts involved in the process have stressed the urgency of accelerating bio-mining to mitigate health and ecological risks for the densely populated neighbourhoods surrounding Belgachia. The NGT is expected to assess the adequacy of this plan and its compliance milestones at the next hearing.
