Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban

Under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, in 2023, Kochi launched an ambitious bio-mining project to tackle 1.52 lakh cubic meters of legacy waste

Kochi, Kerala's largest city, faced the daunting challenge of managing legacy waste at the Brahmapuram Yard, a sprawling 108-acre dumpsite that had accumulated over 14 years' worth of waste. In 2023, as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban initiative, the Kochi Municipal Corporation, in collaboration with Bhumi Green Energy, launched an ambitious bio-mining project aimed at processing 1.52 lakh cubic meters of legacy waste. This project marks a pivotal step toward transforming Kochi's waste management practices and addressing the environmental concerns associated with the Brahmapuram dumpsite.

Approximately 75% of the bio-mining project has been completed. Of the estimated 843,000 metric tons of waste, 608,325 metric tons have been successfully removed, resulting in the reclamation of 18 acres of land. Currently, a Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plant is being established on the cleared site, with support from BPCL.

Bio-mining is an innovative and eco-friendly technique used to manage and remediate legacy waste. It involves the biological processing of waste, primarily through the use of microorganisms and natural processes, to break down and remove hazardous materials from landfills. In legacy waste sites, where waste has accumulated over many years, bio-mining helps in the gradual extraction of usable materials, such as recyclable metals, plastics, and organic waste, while simultaneously reducing the environmental footprint of the site. The process not only alleviates the burden of landfills but also contributes to reclaiming valuable land for future use.

KMC has also collaborated with agencies like FABBCO and Zimco to operate Black Soldier Fly (BSF) plants, which process 75 tons of bio-waste daily, significantly bolstering the city's waste management efforts. In addition, a 100 KLD Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) and a dedicated sanitary waste processing plant have been established to manage more specialized waste streams, further enhancing the city’s sustainable waste handling capabilities.

The project has sparked a remarkable shift in behaviour among residents, with 95% of households actively participating in waste collection. Kochi's bio-mining initiative at Brahmapuram Yard has transformed what was once a dumpsite into a beacon of sustainable waste management. It stands as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of innovative, science-driven solutions in addressing the urban waste challenges of today.