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Mumbai, one of India’s bustling metropolises, is set to make a groundbreaking shift in its waste management strategy. With an ambitious Waste to Energy project on the horizon, the city aims to turn its garbage into a valuable resource—electricity. This initiative represents a significant stride in addressing the city's waste challenges while contributing to the nation's energy needs.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board's Annual Report for the year 2021-2022, India generated a staggering 1,70,339 tons of municipal solid waste per day (TPD). Of this, 1,56,449 TPD was collected, 91,511 TPD was processed or treated, and 41,455 TPD was relegated to landfills. The figures underscore the enormity of the waste management challenge facing urban centers across the country.

In Mumbai, the situation is no different. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reports that the city produces around 6,400 TPD of municipal solid waste. Of this, approximately 5,800 TPD is processed and disposed of at the Kanjurmarg Integrated Waste Management Facility. The remaining 600 TPD ends up in the Deonar Dumping Ground, one of Mumbai’s oldest and largest waste sites.

Efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of these dumping grounds are in full swing. The BMC has implemented several measures to control the adverse effects, including covering the waste with soil, fogging for pest control, and continuous monitoring of ambient air quality. These steps are designed to minimize the impact on public health and the environment, and so far, BMC reports no significant increase in disease incidence around these areas.

However, the focus is now shifting towards a more sustainable solution: converting waste into energy. The Waste to Energy Project, a major initiative under the 15th Finance Commission's grant for solid waste management, promises to be a game-changer. Slated for commissioning in October 2025, this project is expected to handle 600 TPD of municipal solid waste and generate approximately 7 megawatts (MW) of electricity.

The capital cost of the project is estimated at Rs. 504 crores, reflecting the scale and ambition of the endeavor. By transforming waste into electricity, the project aims to not only tackle the waste management issue but also contribute to Mumbai’s energy grid. This dual benefit underscores a broader trend towards integrating waste management with energy production, a model gaining traction in various parts of the world.

This initiative aligns with global practices where converting waste to energy is becoming increasingly popular. Countries such as Sweden and Germany have long utilized waste-to-energy technology to address waste and energy challenges simultaneously. The technology involves incinerating waste at high temperatures to produce steam, which drives turbines connected to electricity generators. The process not only reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills but also harnesses the energy content of waste materials.

For Mumbai, this project represents a significant leap forward. The city’s growing population and economic activity have put immense pressure on existing waste management systems. As urban areas expand, finding sustainable solutions becomes increasingly crucial. The Waste to Energy project not only addresses this immediate need but also sets a precedent for other cities grappling with similar challenges.