Centre nod for BMC landfill project

The Ministry of Environment and Forests and the CRZ authority has now cleared 85 hectares. “A week ago,the centre cleared it. We are awaiting the HC judgment,” said additional municipal commissioner,R A Rajeev.

Clearance has been given to 85 hectares,but nearly 20.76 hectares has mangroves. No construction can be carried on this land and hence the project will be set up on 65 hectares.

The Bombay Environmental Action Group (BEAG) has opposed the felling of mangroves stating the land falls under CRZ-I.

The hearing on the case is scheduled for April 8 and if the court allows the mangroves to be felled,the civic administration will be able to dispose of an additional 2,500 tonne garbage a day. Officials said that the remaining land,which comes under CRZ-3,will be used for approach roads,a waste-to-energy plant and ancillary works.

Officials said once the model code is over,the contractors will be appointed.

The BMC was forced to shut the Gorai dump following Supreme Court directives as it had attained its capacity. As per the directives,waste could be dumped till December 2007 and operations were to be shifted to Kanjurmarg.

Meanwhile,after corporators opposed the ‘high priced’ closure of Deonar dump,the civic administration has reduced the cost from Rs 5,000 cr to a proposed Rs 4,100 crore. “The Rs 900 cr reduction was due to negotiations and clearance of certain complications. We are awaiting the standing committee nod,” Rajeev said.

A consortium of United Phosphorus Ltd,Kerala-based POABS and Germany-based MDSE have bagged the tender for the closure project.