Gujarat CM Pushes for Swifter Khajod Disposal Site Cleanup in Surat

Surat : In a race against time to spruce up the surroundings of the upcoming Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s slated inauguration on December 17, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel has urged the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) to expedite the clearance process of the perilous Khajod disposal site. The Khajod site, infamous for its hazardous waste accumulation, looms within 700 meters of the highly anticipated SDB project.

During his recent visit to Surat, Chief Minister Patel directed municipal commissioner Shalini Agarwal to accelerate the clearance operations at the Khajod disposal site. This urgency follows the concerns expressed by the SDB committee members regarding the visible proximity of the waste site to the prestigious SDB complex.

The pressing need for the cleanup stems from industry sources deeming the Khajod disposal site an eyesore, visible from the SDB. The unsightly garbage hills have raised alarm among stakeholders due to the potential negative impact on the SDB’s reputation, frequented by both national and international visitors.

The SMC, under scrutiny for its violation of the Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016, faces pressure to rectify the situation. The hazardous waste at Khajod, comprising an unsightly mix of non-segregated solid waste including sanitary pads, medicines, liquid powder, chemical water, plastic waste, and biomedical waste, poses severe environmental and health hazards.

To address this pressing concern, the SMC recently revealed a comprehensive plan to cleanse the Khajod disposal site within three months, allocating an estimated budget of Rs 11 crore. Official sources indicate a commitment to clear the site of hazardous waste by November 30, with intentions to transform it into a verdant area adorned with eco-friendly plantations.

The cleanup process is set to adhere to scientific protocols, guided by expert advice to prepare the ground for extensive tree and plant cultivation, forming a crucial part of the beautification initiative.

The alarm raised by the Paryavaran Trust, a vigilant non-governmental organization (NGO), further intensifies the spotlight on the SMC’s shortcomings in waste management. The NGO has proactively engaged municipal authorities, emphasizing the critical consequences of unchecked dumping at the Khajod site, urging swift rectification.

The city generates approximately 2,500 metric tonnes of solid waste, which is currently channeled to the Khajod disposal site for treatment. As part of the Swachh Bharat Mission, the SMC has earmarked a budget of Rs 11 crore for the systematic cleanup of the site.