Kanjurmarg Landfill Declared Protected Forest

On May 2, 2025, the Bombay High Court classified a 119.91-hectare section of the Kanjurmarg landfill in Mumbai as a ‘protected forest’ under the Forest Conservation Act of 1980 and the Indian Forest Act of 1927. This ruling overturned a 2009 decision by the Maharashtra government that had denotified the area’s forest status. The decision poses challenge for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), as the Kanjurmarg facility is the city’s only sanitary landfill, handling 90% of Mumbai’s daily solid waste.

Background of the Kanjurmarg Facility

The Kanjurmarg landfill began operations in 2016. It processes around 5,900 metric tonnes of solid waste daily, out of Mumbai’s total generation of 6,500 metric tonnes. The site currently holds approximately 20 lakh metric tonnes of waste. The Supreme Court’s 2003 directive allowed the BMC to use this land for solid waste management amidst a backdrop of ongoing legal disputes.

Selection of Kanjurmarg as a Landfill Site

In the early 2000s, the BMC operated four dumpsites – Deonar, Chincholi Bunder, Gorai, and Mulund. As Mumbai’s population grew, residents from Malad and surrounding areas petitioned for a new landfill site. In 2003, the Supreme Court directed the allocation of 141.7 hectares of salt pan land in Kanjurmarg for this purpose.

Legal Controversies and Protected Forest Status

In 2005, the Maharashtra government designated 5,469 hectares of mangroves around Mumbai as protected forests, including the Kanjurmarg site. However, the following year, the government reversed this status, allowing the BMC to utilise the land as a landfill. This decision faced opposition from environmental groups, leading to multiple legal challenges.

Environmental Concerns and Activism

Vanashakti, an NGO, filed a public interest litigation in 2013 against the BMC’s actions, questioning the legality of the landfill’s operation. The group has raised concerns about environmental violations and the improper disposal of waste. The ongoing legal battle has spanned over a decade, reflecting the tension between urban waste management and environmental protection.

Future Actions and Implications

Following the High Court’s ruling, the BMC plans to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court. Civic officials warn that immediate closure of the Kanjurmarg facility could lead to a waste management crisis in Mumbai, as the city lacks alternative disposal sites. The BMC’s next steps will be crucial in determining the future of waste management in the metropolis.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the implications of the Bombay High Court’s ruling on Kanjurmarg landfill for urban waste management in Mumbai.
2. Estimate the environmental impact of landfill operations on urban ecosystems, using Kanjurmarg as a case study.
3. Point out the challenges faced by municipal corporations in managing solid waste in rapidly urbanising cities.
4. What are the key provisions of the Forest Conservation Act of 1980? How do they relate to urban development projects?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the implications of the Bombay High Court’s ruling on Kanjurmarg landfill for urban waste management in Mumbai.

1. The ruling classifies portion of the landfill as a protected forest, complicating waste management.
2. 90% of Mumbai’s solid waste currently relies on the Kanjurmarg facility for disposal, making closure disruptive.
3. Legal challenges may delay waste management solutions and increase operational costs for the BMC.
4. The ruling marks the need for sustainable waste management practices and alternative disposal methods.
5. Potential public health risks arise from waste accumulation if the landfill is abruptly closed.

2. Estimate the environmental impact of landfill operations on urban ecosystems, using Kanjurmarg as a case study.

1. Landfills can contaminate soil and groundwater, posing risks to local flora and fauna.
2. The Kanjurmarg site is home to mangroves, which are crucial for biodiversity and coastal protection.
3. Odor and air quality issues arise from landfill operations, affecting nearby communities.
4. Landfill emissions contribute to greenhouse gases, impacting climate change.
5. Improper waste management can lead to habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity in urban ecosystems.

3. Point out the challenges faced by municipal corporations in managing solid waste in rapidly urbanising cities.

1. Increased population density leads to higher waste generation, straining existing facilities.
2. Limited land availability for new waste management sites complicates disposal efforts.
3. Public opposition and legal challenges hinder the establishment of new landfills or waste processing plants.
4. Insufficient funding and resources limit effective waste management strategies.
5. Environmental regulations can conflict with urgent urban waste management needs.

4. What are the key provisions of the Forest Conservation Act of 1980? How do they relate to urban development projects?

1. The Act aims to conserve forests and regulate deforestation for development projects.
2. It requires prior approval from the central government for any diversion of forest land for non-forest use.
3. Urban development projects must demonstrate minimal environmental impact to comply with the Act.
4. The Act encourages sustainable development practices, balancing urban growth with environmental conservation.
5. Violations can lead to legal consequences, impacting the feasibility of urban projects like landfills.