Waste to Woods: Raichur Reclaims 22 Acres with Miyawaki Transformation
Raichur in Karnataka, has transformed the 35-acre Yakalaspura dumpsite into a green asset through scientific legacy waste remediation under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0). ~ 62,252 MT of waste has been processed and nearly 22 acres of valuable urban land, has been reclaimed so far. The restored site now supports sustainable land use, including a vibrant Miyawaki forest, demonstrating how former dumpsites can be converted into thriving ecological spaces.
Under the SBM–U 2.0, cities across India are undertaking the transformation of legacy dumpsites into productive and environmentally sustainable spaces. In Raichur, Karnataka, this vision has been realized through the successful remediation of the Yakalaspura dumpsite, once a symbol of environmental degradation, now emerging as a model of ecological restoration and sustainable urban development.
Spread across 35 acres, the Yakalaspura site had accumulated decades of municipal solid waste, creating significant environmental and public health concerns for nearby communities. The growing mountain of garbage not only occupied valuable urban land but also posed risks through leachate generation, foul odour, and environmental pollution. Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, Raichur City Corporation undertook a scientific legacy waste remediation project.
As a result of the intervention, 62,252 metric tonnes of legacy waste were scientifically processed and remediated. The project has led to the reclamation of nearly 22 acres of valuable urban land, significantly reducing environmental risks while improving the surrounding landscape. The successful clearance of the dumpsite marks a major milestone in Raichur's efforts to strengthen urban sanitation and environmental management.
On the reclaimed land, remediation works have been completed and plantation activities commenced on 5 June, 2026. Raichur City Corporation has adopted an innovative approach to utilize the reclaimed land. Guided by the concept of "Toxic Waste to Ecological Wealth," the city is developing a Miyawaki forest across approximately 5–7 acres of the remediated site in collaboration with Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited (SPMCIL) and New India Space Limited.
A total of 60,000 saplings have been planted. It is expected that within one year, the area will be successfully afforested, resulting in the development of a green cover over the reclaimed land. The plantation includes bamboo and other native species that contribute to soil restoration, carbon sequestration, biodiversity enhancement, and improved air quality.
The transformed site was inaugurated on World Environment Day (5 June, 2026) by Hon'ble Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, underscoring the significance of the initiative in advancing environmental sustainability.
The Yakalaspura transformation is more than a waste remediation project; it is a testament to the impact of effective urban governance, strategic investments, and sustained commitment to swachhata. By converting a long-standing environmental challenge into a thriving ecological space, Raichur City Corporation has created a replicable model for cities across the country working towards garbage-free and sustainable urban futures.
