The Kodungaiyur dumpyard in Chennai, once a significant environmental concern, is undergoing a transformative process to become an urban forest. This initiative is part of a ₹648-crore biomining project aimed at reclaiming the 352-acre site, which has been a landfill for over five decades. The project involves processing approximately two lakh metric tonnes of waste, with the goal of restoring the area over a two-year period.
The transformation plan includes the establishment of an urban forest, which will not only enhance the city’s green cover but also improve air quality and provide recreational spaces for residents. The project is being managed under the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, with Anna University appointed as the project management consultant to oversee supervision, monitoring, and certification.
In addition to the urban forest, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is setting up a waste-to-energy (WTE) plant at the Kodungaiyur dumpyard. This facility is designed to process 2,100 tonnes of waste daily, contributing to sustainable waste management and energy production.
The successful implementation of this project is expected to alleviate environmental and health concerns for the approximately 20 lakh residents in the surrounding areas by effectively managing the legacy waste and enhancing the urban landscape.
