BMC wields stick to control Kanjurmarg dumpsite stink

“Contractors now have to set up tanks for treating leachate (environmentally harmful liquid generated in garbage),chimneys for gas collection and flaring and the soil cover after they were issued notices by the BMC,” said Adtani. “We have paid them only Rs 4 crore of the total Rs 14 crore; the balance will be paid only after the problem is solved,” he added.

Following an agitation by residents two weeks ago,the BMC issued a notice to contractors (M/s Anthony and Lara Envirotech) as it found that landfill management was not in accordance with the Municipal Solid Waste Rules of 2000.

“We had issued a corrective notice (not showcause) asking the managers to come up with long-term solutions to control the stink. The terms of contract included the condition that there should be no complaint of odour from the landfill,” said a senior SWM department official.

“We had given the contractors 15 days to set up these long-term mechanisms. Their deadline ended on Thursday. We have now extended it by four days as setting up of the leachate treatment plant is taking time,” said the official.

According to Adtani,the leachate will have to first be chemically neutralised before it can be treated in the tanks set up at the site. The contractors have begun using biomethanation to treat organic and anaerobic waste. As a last resort,the SWM department said,deodorant will be sprayed at the landfill site.

What is leachate

Landfill leachate is generated from liquids in the waste at a landfill,or from rainwater at the site. It consists of organic and inorganic compounds that must be managed to prevent water and soil pollution.

What can be done

Leachate should be neutralised chemically before being treated.

Contractors have already begun biomethanation

As a last resort,deodorant may have to be sprayed at the landfill site