• Launch and Duration:
  • Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0) was launched in October 2021.
  • It is a five-year program aimed at achieving “garbage-free cities” by 2026.
• Focus Areas:
  • Remediation of all legacy waste dumpsites.
  • Achieving 100% source segregation, door-to-door waste collection, and scientific management of waste.
• Progress Report (as of September 2024):
  • Out of 2,424 dumpsites identified, only 471 (19.43%) have been remediated.
  • 1,226 dumpsites are under remediation, while 727 remain untouched.
  • 27% of the total 17,039.71 acres of dumpsite area has been reclaimed.
• State Performance:
  • Tamil Nadu has reclaimed the most area (837 acres).
  • Gujarat leads in performance, reclaiming 75% of its dumpsite area.
• Funding:
  • Central government approved ₹3,226 crore for dumpsite remediation.
  • States and UTs are expected to contribute matching shares for local-level implementation.

HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS FROM LEGACY WASTE DUMPSITES

• Health Hazards:
  • Exposure to hazardous emissions can irritate the respiratory system.
  • Methane inhalation can cause nausea, vomiting, and coordination issues.
  • Ragpickers face risks of skin allergies and chronic diseases.
  • Nearby residents are prone to tuberculosis, asthma, diabetes, depression, and vector-borne diseases like malaria and cholera.
• Environmental Hazards:
  • Methane and carbon dioxide emissions contribute to global warming.
  • Leachate from landfills can contaminate groundwater and soil.
  • Uncontrolled fires at dumpsites release toxic pollutants into the air.

WHAT ARE LEGACY WASTE DUMPSITES?

• Definition:
  • Dumpsites that contain waste accumulated over years, managed in unscientific and uncontrolled ways.
• Extent of Legacy Waste:
  • India has over 3,000 legacy waste dumpsites.
  • Total waste load at these sites is over 16 crore tonnes, covering 15,000 acres of prime land.
• Location:
  • Originally located at the outskirts of cities, many dumpsites are now part of expanding urban areas.