Rajkot generates approximately 700 tonnes of municipal solid waste per day, all of which was historically disposed of at the Nakrawadi dumping site. Over time, the site accumulated nearly 16 lakh tonnes of legacy waste. In response, the Rajkot Municipal Corporation undertook a landmark effort to remediate the site, aiming not only to eliminate the waste but also to transform the area into a clean, green urban forest which led to the reclamation of 20 acre land.
The remediation of legacy waste at the Nakrawadi site faced several significant challenges. Managing over 16 lakh tonnes of mixed and compacted waste made segregation and processing difficult, while the site’s heavy contamination required extensive land preparation and soil enrichment. Workers and nearby residents were affected by foul odors and air pollution, posing health risks. Monsoon rains disrupted operations, and the need for a steady supply of treated water for plantation required the laying of a 12 km pipeline.
The waste was processed into usable materials and valuable resources for the benefit of the 30-acre green transformation initiative.
The project also ensures health and safety by improving air quality through afforestation and waste processing, which reduces pollutants and boosted oxygen levels.
The success of this project offers a potential for replication in other cities and regions that are facing challenges with legacy waste management, land degradation, and environmental restoration.