SMC Launches Cleanup of Khajod Disposal Site Ahead of PM’s Visit

Surat : In a bid to rectify years of neglect and environmental violations, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has undertaken an ambitious project to clear the hazardous Khajod Disposal site, situated in close proximity to the world’s largest office building, the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) in Khajod, approximately 15 kilometers from Surat.

SMC authorities have unveiled a comprehensive plan to clean up the Khajod disposal site within three months, at an estimated cost of Rs 11 crore. This decision comes ahead of the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the diamond city of Surat, where he is set to inaugurate the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) project on December 17.

Official sources have indicated that the Khajod disposal site will be entirely cleared of hazardous solid waste by November 30. The area will then be transformed into a vast ground adorned with eco-friendly plantations.

The removal of solid waste from the Khajod site will be conducted with scientific precision, seeking expert guidance to prepare the ground for tree and plant cultivation as part of the beautification process.

The SMC has been under intense scrutiny for its persistent violation of the Solid Waste Management Rules of 2016, particularly for its failure to segregate dry and wet waste at the source.

This glaring violation of regulations entails the dumping of solid waste, including sanitary pads, medicines, liquid powder, chemical water, plastic waste, and biomedical waste, at the Khajod disposal site without proper segregation. Such breaches not only threaten the environment but also pose health hazards to the public.

Paryavaran Trust, a vigilant non-governmental organization (NGO), has taken the initiative to hold municipal authorities accountable for their negligence. The NGO has brought this critical issue to the attention of the municipal commissioner and the solid waste management department, emphasizing the severe consequences of non-segregated waste dumping at the Khajod disposal site.

According to sources, approximately 2,500 metric tonnes of solid waste are generated and collected within the city. This waste is then scientifically treated at the Khajod site. As part of the Swachh Bharat Mission, the SMC has proposed an expenditure of Rs 11 crore for the scientific cleanup of the Khajod disposal site.