Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban

The approach to solid waste management underwent a significant shift with the launch of Swachh Bharat Mission in 2014 and the introduction of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, which emphasized the goal of zero waste to landfill. SBM-U 2.0 has further strengthened this vision by promoting sustainable waste management practices and introducing the "Lakshya Zero Dumpsite" initiative led by MoHUA. As part of this initiative, several cities across diverse geographies have undertaken the remediation of legacy waste sites.

Rajkot serves as a compelling example of this transformative initiative. The city generates approximately 700 tonnes of municipal solid waste per day, all of which was historically disposed of at the Nakrawadi dumping site. Over time, the site accumulated nearly 16 lakh tonnes of legacy waste. In response, the Rajkot Municipal Corporation undertook a landmark effort to remediate the site, aiming not only to eliminate the waste but also to transform the area into a clean, green urban forest which led to the reclamation of 20 acre land.

As part of the Nakrawadi site remediation, a detailed survey was conducted to assess the legacy waste, followed by processing using advanced machinery, resulting in the segregation of refuse-derived fuel (RDF), semi-compost, and inert materials. The RDF was transported to the waste-to-energy plant in Jamnagar, inert materials were sent to a Secured Landfill Facility (SLF), and over 50,000 tonnes of semi-compost were used for land leveling and soil enrichment. To restore the site into a thriving green space, approximately 2.35 lakh native and fast-growing trees were planted using the Miyawaki technique. A 12 km pipeline was laid to connect the site to the Gauridad Sewage Treatment Plant, enabling the use of secondary treated water for irrigation. To ensure sustainable water management, water-harvesting ponds were created for groundwater recharge, and drip and sprinkler irrigation systems were installed to optimize water use and support the plantation.

The remediation of legacy waste at the Nakrawadi site faced several significant challenges. Managing over 16 lakh tonnes of mixed and compacted waste made segregation and processing difficult, while the site’s heavy contamination required extensive land preparation and soil enrichment. Workers and nearby residents were affected by foul odors and air pollution, posing health risks. Monsoon rains disrupted operations, and the need for a steady supply of treated water for plantation required the laying of a 12 km pipeline.

This project demonstrates a circular economy approach by transforming a degraded dumpsite into a thriving eco-friendly urban space with enhanced biodiversity, promoting sustainability whilst addressing the challenge of legacy waste. The waste was processed into usable materials and valuable resources for the benefit of the 30-acre green transformation initiative.

The project has demonstrated significant financial, social, and environmental impacts across various domains. It promotes resource conservation by recycling legacy waste into useful products, thereby reducing the need for raw materials and curbing resource depletion. Through effective waste minimization strategies such as segregation, recycling, and repurposing, the initiative reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills, supporting a circular economy. It also contributes to water conservation by using secondary treated water from the Gauridad STP for irrigation via a 12 km pipeline, lessening the dependency on freshwater resources and enabling sustainable water use in the urban forest. In terms of GHG reduction, the project converts waste into RDF for energy generation and undertakes afforestation efforts, leading to substantial carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation.

The project also ensures health and safety by improving air quality through afforestation and waste processing, which reduces pollutants and boosted oxygen levels. The creation of green spaces further contributes to the well-being of the community and engages local self-help groups (SHGs) and volunteers, fostering employment opportunities, community participation, and awareness about sustainable practices, thereby enhancing social cohesion. On the economic front, the transformation of waste into energy, compost, and other value-added products generates new income streams, supports eco-tourism, and reduces the local government's financial burden for waste management. Finally, the initiative also servesas a model for sustainable urban development.

The success of this project offers a potential for replication in other cities and regions that are facing challenges with legacy waste management, land degradation, and environmental restoration.