Lakshya Zero Dumpsite targets complete remediation of urban waste under Swachh Bharat
New Delhi: The Government of India stepped up efforts to eliminate urban dumpsites through the Lakshya Zero Dumpsite initiative, with authorities already processing over 61 per cent of legacy waste nationwide.
The government launched the Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme in November 2025 to fast-track this goal. Under the programme, officials aim to achieve zero dumpsites by October 2026. Therefore, the mission has prioritised 214 high-impact dumpsites that together hold nearly 80 per cent of the remaining legacy waste.
Across the country, authorities have identified about 2,479 dumpsites containing at least 1,000 tonnes of waste each. These sites together hold nearly 25 crore metric tonnes of accumulated waste across roughly 15,000 acres. As a result, unmanaged dumpsites have posed serious risks to air, soil and groundwater quality.
Officials said remediation work is now active at 1,428 dumpsites. So far, teams have scientifically processed more than 62 per cent of legacy waste. In 2025 alone, cities fully remediated 459 dumpsites across 26 States, adding momentum to the national cleanup drive.
Lakshya Zero Dumpsite links cleanup with future waste control
The Lakshya Zero Dumpsite mission follows a two-pronged strategy. First, it focuses on clearing existing dumpsites. At the same time, it works to prevent new dumpsites by strengthening scientific waste processing in cities.
Authorities use biomining to remediate legacy waste. In this process, workers excavate old waste and segregate it into reusable material streams. Consequently, inert material and construction debris support road building and land filling, while combustible waste converts into refuse-derived fuel for energy use.
Recyclable materials such as plastic, metal and glass move to recycling units. Meanwhile, only non-reusable rejects reach scientific landfills. This approach ensures that waste does not return to open dumping sites.
After remediation, cities reclaim cleared land for productive use. In many cases, officials reserve these sites for solid waste management infrastructure or green cover development. As a result, urban areas gain cleaner surroundings and better land utilisation.
Under Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0, the government has expanded waste-processing capacity nationwide. Currently, more than 2,900 material recovery facilities and 2,800 compost plants operate across urban India. In addition, biomethanation and waste-to-energy plants support sustainable waste disposal.
Officials said the elimination of dumpsites would reduce fires, lower methane emissions and improve public health. Moreover, Lakshya Zero Dumpsite aligns with climate goals and supports the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by promoting circular economy practices and cleaner cities.
