The city of Agra, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, has long grappled with the challenge of managing its solid waste. The Kuberpur dumpsite, operational since 2007, became a symbol of environmental distress as thousands of tons of waste accumulated daily, threatening public health and the city’s ecological balance.
In 2019, inspired by the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and guided by the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, the Agra Municipal Corporation embarked on an ambitious journey to transform Kuberpur into a beacon of sustainability. By December 2024, the dumpsite had been fully reclaimed, and by July 2025, it had evolved into the Integrated Waste Management City of Agra—a model of environmental conservation, technological innovation, and urban governance. This report examines the strategies, technologies, and outcomes of this transformative initiative, highlighting its alignment with the goals of SBM-U 2.0.
Under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U), the Agra Municipal Corporation has achieved a remarkable transformation, converting the Kuberpur dumpsite, a once-toxic landfill, into an Integrated Waste Management City. By implementing the 3R principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, Agra has reclaimed 47 acres of land, processed 1.9 million metric tons of legacy waste, and established advanced waste management infrastructure, including a 500 TPD waste-to-compost plant and four Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) with a combined capacity of 405 TPD.
The initiative, supported by bioremediation, biomining, and innovative afforestation techniques, has not only revitalised the environment but also positioned Agra as a national model for sustainable urban development. This report provides a detailed analysis of Agra’s journey, the technologies and policies driving this transformation, and its broader implications for urban governance and environmental conservation.
Background: The Kuberpur Dumpsite Crisis
The Legacy of Waste 2007, the Kuberpur site was designated as Agra’s primary landfill, receiving thousands of tons of solid waste daily from the city’s households, businesses, and industries. Over the years, the dumpsite grew into a sprawling mound of refuse, posing significant environmental and health risks. Leachate from the decomposing waste contaminated groundwater, while the lack of systematic waste management led to air pollution and aesthetic degradation. By 2019, the site had become a public health hazard and a symbol of the city’s struggle to manage its growing waste output.
The Swachh Bharat Mission Catalyst
The Swachh Bharat Mission, launched in 2014, aimed to make India clean and open-defecation-free by promoting sustainable waste management and urban cleanliness. Under SBM-U 2.0, the focus shifted to advanced waste processing, land reclamation, and public awareness. Inspired by this vision, the Agra Municipal Corporation, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, resolved to address the Kuberpur crisis head-on. The goal was not only to eliminate the dumpsite but also to transform it into a sustainable, eco-friendly hub that would serve as a model for other Indian cities.
Strategies and Implementation
Bioremediation and the transformation of Kuberpur began in 2019 with the adoption of bioremediation and biomining technologies, executed in collaboration with SPAAK Super Infra Pvt. Ltd. Bioremediation involved the use of microorganisms to break down organic waste, while biomining enabled the segregation and recovery of recyclable materials from legacy waste. These technologies were critical in addressing the 1.9 million metric tons of accumulated waste, which had rendered the site unusable for decades.
By December 2024, the Agra Municipal Corporation had successfully processed the entire legacy waste at an estimated cost of Rs 320 crores. This effort reclaimed 47 acres of land, freeing it from the burden of toxic waste and paving the way for redevelopment.
Waste Processing Infrastructure
To manage fresh waste and prevent future accumulation, the Municipal Corporation established a robust waste management infrastructure:
Waste-to-Compost Plant: In 2019, a 300 TPD (tons per day) waste-to-compost plant was set up to convert organic waste into high-quality compost for agricultural use. By 2023, its capacity was expanded to 500 TPD, significantly reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills.
Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs): Four MRFs with a combined capacity of 405 TPD were established across Agra to sort and process recyclable materials such as plastics, paper, and metals. These facilities ensured efficient waste segregation and minimised landfill dependency.
Plastic Waste Processing Plant: In January 2025, a 65 TPD MRF-cum-Plastic Waste Processing Plant was inaugurated. This facility recycles plastic waste into affordable water pipes, which are sold to farmers, creating a circular economy and supporting agricultural sustainability.
Source-Level Segregation: The Municipal Corporation mandated 100 percent source-level segregation of waste, requiring households and businesses to separate wet, dry, and hazardous waste. Door-to-door collection systems were implemented to ensure compliance and streamline waste processing.
Land Reclamation and Greening Initiatives
The reclaimed 47 acres of land at Kuberpur were repurposed to create an eco-friendly zone that balanced environmental conservation with urban development:
Miyawaki Afforestation: Ten acres of the reclaimed land were transformed into a dense, green forest using the Miyawaki technique, which promotes rapid forest growth and biodiversity. This initiative not only enhanced the site’s aesthetic appeal but also contributed to carbon sequestration and air quality improvement.
Modern Sanitary Landfill: Five acres were converted into a state-of-the-art sanitary landfill designed for the safe disposal of inert waste. Unlike the previous open dumpsite, this landfill adheres to strict environmental standards to prevent soil and water contamination.
Urban Forest Development: Work is underway to develop a 10-acre urban forest, further expanding the green cover and creating a recreational space for residents.
The remaining land has been designate System: designated as an eco-friendly zone, fostering community engagement and environmental education.
Outcomes and Impact
The transformation of Kuberpur from a toxic dumpsite to an Integrated Waste Management City has had profound environmental benefits. The removal of 1.9 million metric tons of legacy waste has eliminated a major source of pollution, improving air and water quality in the region. The Miyawaki forest and urban forest initiatives have enhanced biodiversity, while the sanitary landfill ensures safe waste disposal, preventing future environmental degradation.
Sustainable Waste Management
Agra’s waste management infrastructure has set a new standard for urban sustainability. The 500 TPD waste-to-compost plant and 405 TPD MRFs have drastically reduced landfill dependency, with recyclable materials being repurposed and organic waste converted into compost. The plastic waste processing plant has created a circular economy, turning waste into valuable products and supporting local farmers.
Public Awareness and Education
The Integrated Waste Management City has become a hub for environmental education. Students, researchers, and professionals from institutions like IITs and private universities visit the site to study sustainable waste management practices. Public awareness campaigns, coupled with mandatory source-level segregation, have fostered a culture of responsible waste disposal among Agra’s residents.
Economic Benefits
The initiative has also generated economic opportunities. The waste-to-compost plant and plastic processing facility have created jobs, while the production of affordable water pipes has supported the agricultural sector. The reclaimed land, now a green and functional space, has the potential to attract eco-tourism and further stimulate the local economy.
Alignment with Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0
The Kuberpur project aligns seamlessly with the objectives of SBM-U 2.0, which emphasises sustainable waste management, land reclamation, and urban beautification. By implementing the 3R principles, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Agra has demonstrated how cities can balance environmental conservation with urban development. The project’s success underscores the importance of government leadership, public-private partnerships, and community engagement in achieving SBM’s goals.
The transformation of Kuberpur was not without challenges. The sheer volume of legacy waste required significant financial and technical resources, with the project costing Rs 320 crores. Ensuring 100 percent source-level segregation demanded extensive public awareness campaigns and strict enforcement. Additionally, the collaboration with SPAAK Super Infra Pvt. Ltd. required careful coordination to integrate advanced technologies like bioremediation and biomining into the municipal framework.
Broader Implications
Agra’s success at Kuberpur has far-reaching implications for urban waste management in India and beyond:
A National Model: The Integrated Waste Management City serves as a blueprint for other Indian cities grappling with legacy waste and limited landfill space. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru could adopt similar strategies to reclaim land and promote sustainability.
Global Relevance: The project aligns with global sustainability goals, such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
Policy Advocacy: The success of Kuberpur highlights the importance of supportive policies, funding, and public-private partnerships in addressing urban waste challenges.
Community Empowerment: By involving residents in segregation and awareness programs, Agra has demonstrated that community participation is key to sustainable urban governance.
The transformation of Kuberpur from a toxic dumpsite into the Integrated Waste Management City of Agra is a landmark achievement in India’s journey toward sustainability. Through innovative technologies, robust infrastructure, and community engagement, the Agra Municipal Corporation has reclaimed 47 acres of land, processed 1.9 million metric tons of waste, and created a green, functional space that serves as a national model for environmental conservation.
The project’s alignment with the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 shows the power of visionary leadership and collective action in addressing urban challenges. As Agra continues to expand its urban forest and waste management capabilities, it stands as a beacon of hope for cities worldwide, proving that sustainable development is not just a vision but an achievable reality.
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