The Bombay High Court has ruled that a portion of the Kanjurmarg landfill in Mumbai is a protected forest, creating significant challenges for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). As the site handles 90% of the city’s solid waste, the BMC plans to appeal to the Supreme Court to prevent a potential waste management crisis.
Key Fact: On May 2, 2025, the Bombay High Court reinstated the protected forest status of the Kanjurmarg landfill, which processes 6,500 tonnes of Mumbai’s waste daily.
Spanning 141.77 hectares, the Kanjurmarg landfill has served as Mumbai’s primary waste disposal site since 2016. Originally designated a protected forest due to its dense mangrove population, it was permitted for landfill use under a 2003 Supreme Court directive. The recent ruling reverses a 2009 de-notification, citing compliance with the Forest Conservation Act of 1980.
The facility processes around 6,500 tonnes of waste daily, with 4,000 tonnes treated through a bioreactor landfill process and 2,000 tonnes sorted at a material recovery facility. Environmental concerns, including odour, pollution, and occasional open dumping, have led to health hazards for nearby residents. Local NGOs have challenged the landfill’s operations, alleging violations of environmental regulations.
An unsuccessful appeal could trigger a waste management crisis in Mumbai, with officials estimating 5 to 10 years to clear existing waste. Land scarcity complicates finding alternative disposal sites. Local communities and activist groups have raised concerns about health and environmental impacts, urging sustainable waste management solutions. The BMC has held public meetings to address these issues and discuss future strategies.