Legacy Landfill Clearance Initiative
With the deadline of September 2026 approaching, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal launched a significant programme aimed at clearing 214 legacy landfills in 202 cities. These landfills collectively hold 8.8 crore metric tonnes of garbage. The initiative is a part of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) 2.0, which began in 2021 with a goal to clear all urban legacy landfills.
Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme
- The programme was launched at the National Urban Conclave.
- It targets 214 sites which account for approximately 80% of waste at the 1,428 total legacy landfills pending remediation.
- The Ministry will provide additional financial support for remediation and waste processing projects.
- Corporate and public sector undertakings will be involved in supporting the projects.
- Central and state road agencies will use inert waste for road construction projects.
- Political and administrative leaders will be encouraged to "adopt" a dumpsite.
Financial Aspects
- Central financial assistance of ₹2,716 crore has been approved for these projects.
- A new programme will help local bodies raise private funds.
Urban Invest Window
This HUDCO project will assist cities in identifying projects, mobilizing capital, and implementing them. HUDCO will repurpose its regional offices to support this initiative.
Future Investment Needs
- It is estimated that ₹80 lakh crore will be needed as urban areas grow.
- The Centre and state governments alone will not suffice; private partnership and public investment are necessary.
