Two-Year Timeline for DNCC Waste-to-Energy Project

The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has announced that its ambitious waste-to-energy project remains in a state of suspension, primarily due to the absence of a final environmental clearance. According to the newly appointed DNCC Administrator, Md. Shofiqul Islam Khan, the transition from infrastructure development to active electricity generation is expected to take between eighteen months and two years once the necessary regulatory approvals are secured.

During a formal inspection of the permanent waste landfill site at Aminbazar on Tuesday, the Administrator addressed the media regarding the project's stagnation. He noted that while a comprehensive scheme is in place to manage urban refuse and eliminate the growing mountains of waste through incineration-based power generation, the Department of Environment (DoE) has yet to grant the ultimate certification required to proceed.

Environmental Hurdles and Technical Delays

The Administrator emphasised that the DNCC is actively seeking a technical resolution with the DoE. The primary point of contention involves the thermal specifications required for waste incineration under the current interim government's environmental standards. "We are taking initiatives to clarify technical presentations and submit the requisite documentation to the Department of Environment immediately," Mr Khan stated. He further noted that the administration is prioritising swift decision-making to alleviate the long-standing suffering of the local populace.

Current Site Conditions and Community Impact

The situation at the Aminbazar landfill has reached a critical threshold. Spanning a total of 102 acres, the site is currently overwhelmed. Official records indicate that the waste mounds have surged to a height of over 80 feet—equivalent to a seven-storey building—surpassing the safety limit of 50–60 feet.

This overcapacity has led to severe environmental degradation. Toxic leachate from the decomposing organic matter is contaminating adjacent agricultural lands and water bodies. Furthermore, spontaneous combustion caused by trapped methane gas frequently results in plumes of hazardous smoke. This has sparked significant unrest among local residents; recently, inhabitants of the nearby Kunda village staged a protest, which unfortunately escalated into the vandalism of site machinery and office windows.

Project Overview and Technical Specifications

The "Aminbazar Landfill Expansion and Modernisation Project" is a capital-intensive venture with a total budget of approximately £82 million (1,272 crore BDT). While the initial plan aimed for full operational capacity by 2025, the current delays have pushed the timeline back.

The DNCC has already handed over 30 developed acres to the contracted firm, which has commenced preliminary piling work. Once operational, the plant will require a consistent supply of 3,000 metric tonnes of waste daily to generate 42.5 MW of electricity, providing a sustainable solution to Dhaka’s waste crisis while bolstering the national power grid.