Mission Reclamation: The ₹92-Crore Race to Clear Jhiri

Ranchi’s Jhiri dumping yard is undergoing a significant transformation through an ongoing legacy waste remediation project aimed at reclaiming the long-polluted site. Since the project began in 2024, more than 6.75 lakh tonnes of accumulated waste have been processed, with authorities targeting the complete clearance of the 33-acre landfill within 24 months.

The ₹92-crore project involves the scientific segregation of legacy waste into biosoil, refuse-derived fuel (RDF), and inert material. While RDF is sent for co-processing, inert waste is utilised for landfilling in low-lying areas. Although progress was initially hampered by machinery shortages, weather conditions, and other logistical challenges, the pace of work has accelerated significantly in recent months. The site is now equipped with over 13 machines, substantially boosting daily processing capacity.

Ranchi Municipal Commissioner Sushant Gaurav acknowledged the early delays but confirmed that the project is now firmly back on track. In parallel, the civic body is taking steps to prevent fresh waste from reaching the Jhiri yard by establishing material recovery facilities (MRFs) across the city.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.