The third phase of the biomining project at Trichy's largest dump yard, Ariyamangalam, is accelerating, aiming to reclaim land and convert waste into fuel.
Key Takeaways
- Phase III involves processing 6.17 lakh tonnes of waste at an estimated cost of ₹44.01 crore.
- The project is funded by the Central Government, State Government, and Trichy Corporation under Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0.
- Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) generated is being utilized by cement factories as an alternative to fossil fuels.
The third phase of the biomining project at the Ariyamangalam dump yard, the largest solid waste disposal site in Trichy, has gathered significant momentum. The Trichy Corporation anticipates completing the operations well ahead of the scheduled deadline. According to studies by experts from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), approximately 7.7 lakh cubic metres of waste, including legacy waste beneath the surface, are present at the site.
Funding and Implementation
Implemented under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0, the project boasts a robust financial structure. The Central government is contributing ₹11.21 crore, the State government ₹7.47 crore, and the Corporation is providing ₹25.33 crore from its General Fund. An Erode-based agency, which successfully executed the previous two phases, has been entrusted with this third stage.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this project is a critical component of urban sustainability. By reclaiming land and converting waste into energy, Trichy is setting a benchmark for municipal waste management in India. The successful conversion of waste into Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) directly contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of local industries.
Converting legacy waste into industrial fuel is a masterstroke in the circular economy model.
Operations reached full scale in May 2026 after electricity connections were established. To date, 1.30 lakh tonnes of waste have been processed. The resulting RDF is being transported to cement kilns, serving as a sustainable substitute for conventional fossil fuels.
Historical Background
The reclamation of the 47.7-acre site has been a multi-stage effort. Phase I (launched in 2019) processed 7.6 lakh cubic metres of waste. Phase II, under the Smart Cities Mission, cleared another 3.3 lakh cubic metres. Together, these phases helped reclaim nearly 40 acres of land.
| Phase | Mission/Scheme | Waste Processed (Approx) | Cost (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase I | General | 7.6 Lakh m³ | ₹49 Crore |
| Phase II | Smart Cities | 3.3 Lakh m³ | ₹25 Crore |
| Phase III | Swachh Bharat 2.0 | 6.17 Lakh Tonnes | ₹44.01 Crore |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Biomining?
Biomining is a process used to treat and manage legacy waste in dump yards by separating organic and inorganic materials.
2. How is the waste being used?
A significant portion of the processed waste is converted into Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) for industrial use.
