Agra Transforms Toxic Dumpsite into Model Waste Management City Under Swachh Bharat Mission
Agra has accomplished a remarkable transformation, turning the once-toxic landfill at Kuberpur into the “Integrated Waste Management City of Agra.” This visionary initiative by the Agra Municipal Corporation exemplifies sustainable urban development, environmental restoration, and innovation in public waste management.
Table of Contents
A Journey from Waste to Wonder
Back in 2007, Kuberpur served as a massive landfill, receiving thousands of tons of solid waste each day. Over time, the site became an environmental hazard and a major concern for residents and the administration alike.
In 2019, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat vision and supported by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Agra Municipal Corporation launched an ambitious plan to reclaim the site. Partnering with SPAAK Super Infra Pvt. Ltd., the project employed bioremediation and biomining technologies to clear decades of legacy waste.
From Dumpsite to Smart Waste Management Hub
The city didn’t stop at cleaning up the old mess. To manage ongoing waste, a 300 tons-per-day (TPD) waste-to-compost plant was established in 2019, later expanded to 500 TPD. By 2023, Agra declared its mission to convert the site into a state-of-the-art Integrated Waste Management City.
Key infrastructure developments included:
- Four Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) with a combined capacity of 405 TPD across the city.
- 100% source-level segregation and mandatory door-to-door waste collection.
- Specialized facilities for different types of waste processing.
By December 2024, approximately 1.9 million metric tons of waste were cleared from the site, reclaiming nearly 47 acres of land at a cost of ₹320 crore.
Also Read: DTCP Removes 10 More Unauthorized Gates in South City 1, Gurugram
A Green and Sustainable Makeover
The reclaimed land now hosts:
- 10 acres of Miyawaki-style urban forest
- 5 acres of modern sanitary landfill for safe inert waste disposal
- Eco-friendly landscaped zones for public use
- A 65 TPD MRF-cum-Plastic Waste Processing Plant, inaugurated in January 2025, where plastic is recycled into affordable water pipes for farmers
A Living Lab for Sustainable Innovation
More than a facility, the Integrated Waste Management City has evolved into a hub for environmental education. It now welcomes students, researchers, and sustainability professionals from schools, colleges, IITs, and private institutions to study real-world models of waste management and land reclamation.
A National Model for the Future
Agra’s transformation aligns with the objectives of Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0, proving that with vision and determination, even a toxic dumpsite can become a thriving, sustainable, and functional urban space. The Integrated Waste Management City of Agra now stands as a model for cities across India aiming to follow a similar path of green development and circular economy.
Source: PIB