Adampur landfill decision delayed, Bhopal’s cleanliness ranking at risk:₹55 crore waste plan stuck as civic body avoids responsibility

The long-pending issue of waste dumping at Adampur Cantonment has resurfaced, exposing administrative indecision and raising concerns over the city’s cleanliness ranking. Three years ago, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a penalty of ₹1.8 crore on the municipal corporation for dumping waste at the site. The corporation even approached the Supreme Court seeking relief, but instead of improving, the situation on the ground has worsened. Today, the accumulated legacy waste has turned into a massive landfill hill. Clearing it now requires an estimated ₹55 crore. Delay could cost Bhopal its Swachh Surveskshan Rankings What is more concerning is the civic body’s reluctance to take responsibility. Instead of issuing a clear recommendation, the Mayor-in-Council (MIC) has forwarded the proposal to the full council, effectively shifting the burden of decision-making. This indecisive approach has triggered political reactions. The Congress has stepped up its attack, with Leader of Opposition Shabista Zaki and councillor Guddu Chauhan leading protests. A stormy council meeting is now expected. The delay could directly impact Bhopal’s standing in the Swachh Survekshan rankings. Disposal of legacy waste is a key parameter, and failure to act in time could cost the city its ‘5-star garbage-free’ rating and push it out of the ‘Super Swachh League’. Waste Disposal Cost Comparison (₹ per tonne) Experts say the situation reflects a lack of seriousness. “Earlier, ineligible firms were awarded contracts, and now flawed estimates have delayed the process. While ₹33 crore was projected for handling 6.5 lakh tonnes of waste, the bidder has quoted ₹55 crore, and the decision remains pending,” said K.K. Srivastava, a solid waste management expert. Despite receiving only a single bid significantly higher than the estimate, the MIC has avoided taking a call. The matter has been sent to the council, a move seen as an attempt to sidestep accountability—especially in light of past Lokayukta cases against councillors in tender-related matters. Bhopal currently has around 6.47 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste. Notably, the company has quoted a lump sum amount instead of a per-tonne rate, adding to the complexity of the decision.