Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s biomining initiative aims to reclaim 25-acre land

Pimpri, 12 March 2024 :- The Environment Department of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is nearing the completion of phase one of its biomining project at the Moshi waste depot. Phase one of the project, which focused on biomining 8 lakh square meters of old dumped waste at Sanitary Landfill 1, has yielded promising results. With 70% of the work completed, attention now turns to phase two, which encompasses the biomining of an additional 15 lakh square meters of waste at the Moshi site.

Upon completion of the biomining project, 25 acres of land will be freed up at the Moshi waste depot, creating opportunities for future solid waste management initiatives and urban development projects.

The RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel) generated during biomining holds potential as a renewable energy source, while biosoil serves as a nutrient-rich substrate for agricultural and gardening applications. Additionally, the project aims to repurpose inerts for land levelling, further optimizing the utilization of reclaimed land.

PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh, on the biomining project in waste management practices, said, “The completion of phase one marks a significant milestone in our journey towards environmental revitalization. Through innovative approaches like biomining, we are unlocking the potential of waste to reclaim land and generate valuable resources for the community.”

Joint City Engineer, Sanjay Kulkarni on the project’s impact said, “Biomining goes beyond mere waste extraction – it represents a holistic approach to environmental management. By converting waste into valuable resources like RDF and biosoil, we are fostering sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the community.”

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Advantages of Biomining:

• 1. Environmental Rejuvenation: Biomining helps reclaim land occupied by old dumped waste, restoring it to its natural state and reducing the environmental impact of landfill sites.
• 2. Resource Recovery: Through biomining, valuable resources such as RDF and biosoil are extracted from waste, offering opportunities for reuse and recycling.
• 3. Renewable Energy Generation: RDF derived from biomining can serve as a renewable energy source, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
• 4. Soil Enrichment: Biosoil produced during biomining is rich in nutrients, enhancing soil fertility and supporting sustainable agriculture and landscaping practices.
• 5. Space Optimization: By freeing up land occupied by waste, biomining creates space for future development projects and solid waste management initiatives, promoting efficient land use and urban planning.