Noida Authority has started a two-year effort to clear 7.5 lakh tonnes of legacy waste at Sector 145 using CPCB-mandated bio-mining, aiming to reduce pollution, reclaim land and move towards zero-landfill operations.
Why Sector 145 Matters to Noida Residents
For years, residents around Sectors 137–145 have raised concerns about foul odour, dust, smoke-like haze and groundwater risks emerging from the unmanaged dumpsite.
Legacy waste is decomposed, compacted material that releases leachate and methane — causing groundwater contamination and frequent fire outbreaks. These risks are documented in the CPCB Legacy Waste Remediation Guidelines.
Before bio-mining begins, CPCB requires:
- Drone-based dumpsite surveys
- Slope stability analysis
- NABL-accredited soil and water testing
These precursor studies are mandated under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
The city’s long-term urban planning framework
How Bio-Mining Works
Bio-mining at large dumpsites follows the national protocol under Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) – Legacy Waste Guidelines.
SBM-U Legacy Waste Management Toolkit:
1. Excavation & Windrows
Waste is excavated and arranged into 2-m-high windrows for aeration.
2. Bio-Remediation with Cultures
Approved microbial cultures are sprayed, and windrows are turned 3–4 times over 2–3 weeks. CPCB notes waste volume reduces by 35–40%.
3. Mechanical Screening
Stabilised material passes through trommel screens (150mm → 4–6mm), separating:
- Bio-earth
- Recyclables
- RDF
- Inerts
- Rejects
Monthly contour surveys and weight-based payments follow CPCB operational protocols.
Air quality and public health concerns
What Happens to the Waste Outputs?
CPCB enforces a strict waste hierarchy (reuse → recycle → recover → landfill) under:
- SWM Rules 2016 (Schedule I)
- CPCB Waste-to-Resource Framework
The CPCB Waste-to-Resource Framework guides how cities convert processed waste into usable resources instead of landfilling.
| Fraction | Composition | End Use (CPCB Approved) |
|---|---|---|
| Bio-earth | Humus, soil | Landscaping after testing |
| RDF | Plastics & paper | Waste-to-energy or cement kilns |
| Coarse Inerts | Stones, bricks | Road sub-base |
| Rejects | Hazardous residue | Engineered landfill |
Reclaimed land is typically reserved for non-residential civic use, consistent with SBM-U case studies.
Environmental Safeguards During Operations
CPCB Bio-Mining Standard Operating Procedure:
All safeguards follow the CPCB Legacy Waste Bio-Mining Guidelines (2019).
Key safeguards include:
- Leachate management: Lined storage & treatment ponds
- Fire control: Soil smothering rather than water
- Air quality monitoring: PM sensors, dust suppression
- NABL tests: Heavy metals, stability, pH, germination
- No re-dumping: Required under NGT orders NGT OA 606/2018.
NGT – OA 606/2018 Compliance Report on SWM Rules & Legacy Waste
Sector 145 Project Timeline & Compliance
The cleanup is targeted for completion in 24 months, as reported on Noida Authority’s official press notes.
The project complies with:
- SWM Rules 2016 – Schedule I
- CPCB Legacy Waste Guidelines (2019)
- NGT directives for ULBs to clear legacy waste
Processed fractions will be taken to regional waste-to-energy, recycling and bio-CNG facilities, supporting Noida’s move toward zero-landfill operations under Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0.
Sources Used
This story is based on publicly available documents from:
- CPCB – Guidelines for Disposal of Legacy Waste (Old Municipal Solid Waste)
- CPCB – Legacy Waste / Bio-Mining Technical Guidelines & SOPs
- Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 (MoEFCC / CPCB) [SWM Rules 2016]
- Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) – Legacy Waste Management & Dumpsite Remediation Toolkit
- NGT – OA 606/2018 Compliance Report on SWM Rules & Legacy Waste
- Noida Authority – Official Website
Disclaimer
This story uses information from official government guidelines, environmental rules, and credible news reports. No proprietary or confidential information has been used.
