Environment ยท GS3
Lakshya Zero Dumpsite
One line
The Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme set an October 2026 target for clearing priority legacy-waste sites under Lakshya Zero Dumpsite.
Summary
Legacy dumpsites contaminate soil and groundwater, emit methane, create fires, and occupy urban land. Remediation separates reusable fractions and safely manages residual waste, but cities must also prevent new accumulation through collection, segregation, processing, and landfill discipline.
PYQ pattern
UPSC repeatedly connects solid-waste management with urban local bodies, public health, circular economy, and climate mitigation. See the official UPSC question-paper archive.
Core notes
- PIB said more than 61% of identified legacy waste had been processed.
- The accelerator prioritised 214 high-impact sites containing nearly 80% of the remaining waste.
- Recovered fractions can include recyclables, refuse-derived fuel, inert material, and construction material where standards permit.
- Biomining treats old waste. It is not a substitute for source segregation of fresh municipal waste.
Prelims lens
- Urban solid-waste management falls within municipal functions under the Twelfth Schedule.
- Methane from decomposing organic waste is a greenhouse gas and fire risk.
- A sanitary landfill is engineered and regulated. An open dumpsite is not the same facility.
MCQ 1
Legacy-waste biomining is used mainly to:
- A. Process old accumulated dumpsite waste
- B. Desalinate seawater
- C. Measure forest carbon
- D. Enrich nuclear fuel
Reveal answerHide answer
A
Biomining excavates and separates old waste into recoverable and residual fractions for remediation.
MCQ 2
Consider the following statements:
- Municipal solid-waste management is linked to functions in the Twelfth Schedule.
- Clearing old dumpsites alone prevents all future waste accumulation.
- A. 1 only
- B. 2 only
- C. Both 1 and 2
- D. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answerHide answer
A
Municipalities have a central urban-sanitation role. New dumpsites can form unless daily collection, segregation, processing, and disposal improve.
Mains
Question, 10 marks, 150 words: Legacy dumpsite remediation must be paired with reform of the daily municipal-waste chain. Discuss.
Approach:
- Explain the environmental and land costs of dumpsites.
- Describe biomining, material recovery, and safe residual disposal.
- Discuss finance, contractor oversight, contamination, and weak segregation.
- Suggest ward-level segregation, producer responsibility, data audits, and sanitary landfills.