Maharashtra To Roll Out Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Policy: Minister Uday Samant

Mumbai: Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant informed the State Legislative Council that a comprehensive solid waste management policy covering local bodies from gram panchayats to municipal corporations will soon be implemented to address diverse challenges in waste management across the state.

Responding to a question raised by MLC Pragya Satav, Minister Samant acknowledged that the state faces various issues in solid waste transportation and disposal. MLCs Shashikant Shinde and Niranjan Davkhare participated in the discussion, raising serious concerns about the state’s failure to formulate solid waste management laws despite a central government directive issued nine years ago.

The opposition highlighted that, as per the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report for the year 2021-22, nearly 41% of the solid waste generated in Maharashtra remains unattended. They also expressed concern that rapid urbanization is outpacing the state’s waste management capacity.

MLCs also criticized the conditions at Kanjurmarg dumping ground, stating that foul odors are affecting residents of Mulund, Bhandup, and Kanjurmarg. They pointed out that five dumping grounds in Mumbai have already reached full capacity and alleged that waste is mixing with sewage and river water, contributing to waterlogging and environmental hazards. The government was also questioned on its preparations at the Deonar dumping ground, where a waste-to-energy plant is under construction.

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In his reply, the UD department stated that Mumbai generates approximately 7,000 metric tonnes of waste daily, and the Deonar dumping ground—in operation since 1930—is being cleared. The Kanjurmarg site is now being used as an alternative.

Samant acknowledged common issues such as transportation difficulties and uncollected waste on streets across municipal corporations. The new waste management policy will take these logistical issues into account, he added.

In a written reply, the state government refuted the 41% unattended waste claim, citing data from the Swachh Bharat Mission portal, which shows that garbage collection stands at 89.24% statewide, with 412 local bodies achieving a 99% collection rate.

The government also admitted that no state-level waste management law has yet been enacted, but clarified that the drafting process is currently underway.

Refuting allegations of air pollution near the Kanjurmarg plant, the government stated there is no scientific evidence of foul air or pollution affecting nearby areas. It also denied any leakage of untreated waste into creeks, drains, or rivers.

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The state explained that out of the 6,600 metric tonnes of waste processed daily:

6,000 metric tonnes are treated scientifically at Kanjurmarg

The remaining 600 metric tonnes are processed at Deonar

Additionally, the government revealed plans to generate 8 megawatts of electricity from waste at the Deonar site. Construction of the waste-to-energy plant is ongoing and is expected to be completed by October 2025.