Mumbai: Putting to rest the decade-old controversial plan for a waste management facility at Karavali village in Ambernath, civic chief Bhushan Gagrani has asked officials to instead focus on waste-to-energy (WTE) projects at Deonar and Kanjurmarg.

As per sources, the BMC might scrap the Ambernath project due to ongoing resistance from local residents. Following the directives of the Bombay High Court, the state government had allocated 38 hectares of land in Ambernath for a waste treatment facility.

The BMC had planned to set up additional waste treatment plants at this location to tackle Mumbai’s growing waste management challenges. However, the project has faced strong opposition from locals, delaying its progress. The BMC currently operates two waste treatment facilities – one in Kanjurmarg and another at Deonar.

About The Kanjurmarg Facility

The facility at Kanjurmarg is equipped with advanced, scientific treatment systems, whereas the Deonar dumping ground lacks such facilities, resulting in untreated waste. In light of these challenges, the civic authorities have instructed officials to prioritise the WTE project to better manage future waste.

“There are currently no available land parcels in the city to set up additional waste treatment facilities. As a result, the BMC is now focusing on expanding the WTE capacity at the Kanjurmarg landfill,” said a senior civic official.