The Greater Chennai Corporation is making significant strides in biomining the legacy waste at the Perungudi garbage dump, with over 70% of the work already completed. The dump yard, accumulated with around 35 lakh tonnes of waste over four decades, is now being reclaimed through biomining, as stated by Geo Dhamin of Poovulagin Nanabargal.
Around 100 acres out of the dump yard’s total 225 acres of land have been successfully reclaimed. The entire biomining project has been divided into six packages, estimated at ₹350 crore. Biomining not only helps in reclaiming land filled with unsegregated waste but also reduces carbon dioxide emissions annually. Additionally, the process produces refuse-derived fuel (RDF) as an eco-friendly alternative to coal in cement factories.
The Corporation has sent approximately two lakh tonnes of RDF to cement factories, with the civic body covering transportation costs. The primary objective is to reduce the amount of legacy waste and reclaim land, with the Corporation aiming to complete the task by June 2024, according to N. Mahesan, Chief Engineer (Solid Waste Management).