Govandi Biomedical Waste Plant set for relocation to Jambhivali, Raigad by September 2025 following HC directive | File Photo
Mumbai: Following directives from the Bombay High Court (HC), the BMC has begun the process of relocating the Biomedical Waste Treatment (BWT) plant currently operating in Govandi to Jambhivali, a village in the Panvel taluka of Raigad district.
After 16 years of operation, the relocation is finally underway, with the process slated to be completed by the September 2025 deadline. The authorities are now awaiting environmental clearance to proceed with the next steps.
The Govandi plant, which has been operational since 2009, has long faced opposition from local residents who have endured toxic fumes and other health hazards emanating from the facility. In September 2023, the HC intervened, directing the BMC to relocate the plant to the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) area in Patalganga, Navi Mumbai. However, in February 2024, the state government revised the relocation plan, instructing MIDC to find an alternate site. As a result, MIDC identified land in Jambhivali.
According to civic officials, the relocation process will be conducted under the guidance of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), with M/s. SMS Envoclean Pvt. Ltd. managing the project. The MPCB will continue to oversee the plant’s daily operations, ensuring strict adherence to environmental standards.
The board is authorised to conduct routine inspections and assess the facility’s performance. If the pollution levels exceed the standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board, the MPCB has the power to implement corrective actions in line with environmental regulations.
Faiyyaz Alam Shaikh, president of the Govandi New Sangam Welfare Society, expressed concern over the slow pace of the relocation process. He emphasized that while the land allotment and environmental clearance procedures are expected to take time, the authorities must plan the relocation in a timely manner.
“The delayed progress has raised suspicions that the authorities may be intentionally stalling the project. Meanwhile, the imminent construction of a waste-to-energy plant, set to treat approximately 600 metric tonnes of garbage daily and scheduled to begin operations by October 2025, is only exacerbating the distress of the local residents.”
Meanwhile, a senior civic official said, “The contractor is expected to take possession of the Jambhivali site later this month. The company will then submit an application for environmental approval to state environment department. After receiving environmental clearance the incinerator will be installed within 12 months.”
At present, the Govandi facility is located on municipal land, and the municipal corporation determines the processing rates for various types of biomedical waste.
