Court Ruling Threatens Mumbai’s Waste Infrastructure
Bombay High Court Declares Kanjurmarg Landfill a Protected Forest: Mumbai’s Waste Crisis Looms: In a significant ruling on May 2, 2025, the Bombay High Court declared the Kanjurmarg landfill a protected forest, effectively halting its use as Mumbai’s largest solid waste processing site. This decision has put the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on high alert, as the site currently handles 90% of the city’s waste. The civic body plans to challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court, warning of a looming waste management crisis if operations are stopped.
Background and Legal Dispute
The Kanjurmarg landfill, spread across 141.77 hectares, has been operational since 2016. Originally declared a protected forest due to its mangrove cover, the site was made accessible to the BMC through a 2003 Supreme Court directive. However, a 2009 de-notification of its forest status has now been overturned by the Bombay High Court, which ruled that such land use changes must follow the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. This has reignited a long-standing legal battle over the legitimacy of using ecologically sensitive land for waste disposal.
Current Waste Management Operations
The Kanjurmarg site processes around 6,500 tonnes of waste daily, including 4,000 tonnes handled through the bioreactor landfill method and 2,000 tonnes sorted at a Material Recovery Facility (MRF). The bioreactor process accelerates decomposition and allows recovery of compost and refuse-derived fuel (RDF). These methods have improved efficiency but are now under threat due to the court ruling.
Environmental and Civic Concerns
The landfill has long been criticised for its odour, pollution, and health hazards, with NGOs and environmental activists raising alarms about violations of ecological norms. Despite its technological upgrades, reports suggest open dumping still occurs, affecting nearby communities. Activist groups argue that continued use of the area violates its ecological importance and contributes to groundwater contamination and air quality deterioration.
The Road Ahead: Uncertain Future for Waste Disposal
If the Supreme Court does not stay the High Court ruling, Mumbai may face a major garbage disposal crisis. Experts estimate it could take 5–10 years to clear the existing waste stockpile from Kanjurmarg. Meanwhile, the BMC is scouting for alternative sites, a task made difficult due to Mumbai’s chronic land scarcity. Officials are also considering expanding waste-to-energy and decentralized composting models, but these require significant lead time and investment.
Static GK Snapshot for Exams
Bombay High Court Declares Kanjurmarg Landfill a Protected Forest: Mumbai’s Waste Crisis Looms:
| Topic | Details |
| Landfill Name | Kanjurmarg Landfill |
| Location | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Area | 141.77 hectares |
| Court Verdict Date | May 2, 2025 |
| Court | Bombay High Court |
| Declared As | Protected Forest |
| Previous Clearance | Based on 2003 Supreme Court directive |
| Law Referenced | Forest Conservation Act, 1980 |
| Waste Processed Daily | ~6,500 tonnes |
| Processing Techniques | Bioreactor landfill, Material Recovery Facility (MRF) |
| Main Environmental Concern | Pollution, odour, open dumping, public health issues |
| Potential Disposal Crisis | May take 5–10 years to clear site if closed |
