Kodungaiyur Dump Yard to Transform into Chennai’s Lush Urban Forest
Chennai’s Kodungaiyur Dump Yard Set for a Green Makeover
Once a massive, toxic mountain of waste, the Kodungaiyur dump yard is undergoing a remarkable transformation. The Rs 648-crore biomining project, spearheaded by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), is progressing rapidly, with over two lakh metric tonnes of waste already processed. This project promises not just environmental rejuvenation but also relief for the thousands of residents who have endured years of pollution, stench, and health hazards.
The Challenges Faced by Residents
For over two decades, more than 2 lakh residents living around the Kodungaiyur dump yard have suffered from unbearable conditions. The persistent stench from decomposing waste, groundwater contamination due to toxic leachate, and rampant mosquito breeding have plagued the neighborhood. During the monsoon season, the landfill turns into a slushy mess, worsening the situation, while in summer, excessive heat from decomposing waste makes life even more difficult. Many households rely on costly water tankers as groundwater is unsafe for consumption.
Fast-Tracking the Biomining Project
The biomining project, which started with six different work packages, is being executed by three contractors under the supervision of Anna University. Biomining is an eco-friendly process that uses microorganisms to break down and recover valuable materials from waste, reducing landfill accumulation and environmental hazards. Currently, five packages are actively processing waste, while the sixth is undergoing trials. The project is expected to be completed within 18 months, with biomining running at full capacity between February and September to avoid disruptions from the northeast monsoon.
To accelerate the process, the Corporation has directed contractors to increase the daily processing capacity to 10,000 tonnes. However, power supply issues have posed a challenge. In response, the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (Tangedco) has been granted permission to set up a 5.5 MVA substation at the landfill to ensure an uninterrupted power supply for the ongoing biomining operations.
Turning Waste into Wealth
Once the 250-acre site is reclaimed, the Chennai Corporation, in collaboration with the Forest Department, plans to plant native tree species to create an expansive urban forest. Unlike the dense Miyawaki method, which focuses on rapid afforestation, this project will incorporate a more natural growth approach with native species that blend seamlessly into the local ecosystem.
Additionally, the biomined soil from the landfill will be repurposed for city parks, playgrounds, and agricultural use in nearby districts like Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur. This circular approach ensures sustainable waste management while contributing to Chennai’s green cover.
Funding and Execution
The Rs 648-crore project is funded through a collaborative effort:
- Greater Chennai Corporation: Rs 378.09 crore
- Union Government: Rs 160.21 crore
- Tamil Nadu Government: Rs 102.53 crore
With strict monitoring by Anna University’s Project Monitoring Committee, the biomining initiative ensures high-quality disposal of legacy waste while transforming the city’s environmental landscape.
A Greener Future for Chennai
The Kodungaiyur dump yard’s conversion into an urban forest represents a significant step towards a cleaner, healthier Chennai. This transformation sets a precedent for sustainable waste management in Indian cities, proving that even the most polluted landscapes can be revitalized into thriving green spaces.