GS3 · Urban waste

Lakshya Zero Dumpsite: 61% of legacy waste processed

Battle IAS current affairs title card: Lakshya Zero Dumpsite: 61% of legacy waste processed (GS3 · Urban waste, 31 January 2026)

What happened

  • Over 61% of legacy waste in city dumpsites has been processed under Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) [PIB].
  • 214 high-impact sites holding nearly 80% of the remaining waste are the priority; the Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme was launched in November 2025 [PIB].

Background

  • Legacy dumps like Ghazipur and Deonar catch fire, release methane and pollute groundwater.

Why it matters

  • Cleared land can be used for green cover or city infrastructure.

How to use this in Mains

GS-III Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation

  1. As per PIB (2026-01-31): over 61% of legacy waste in city dumpsites has been processed under Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban).
  2. Cleared land can be used for green cover or city infrastructure.
Quotable data point

214 high-impact sites holding nearly 80% of the remaining waste are the priority; the Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme was launched in November 2025.

PIB: PIB Backgrounder: Lakshya Zero Dumpsite, 31 Jan 2026

Exam angle

UPSC

Prelims: SBM-U 2.0.

Practice MCQs

Original practice questions (not PYQs).

Practice · UPSC

Legacy waste processed

Answer (b) & explanation

PIB.

Practice · UPSC

Priority sites

Answer (b) & explanation

PIB.

Practice · UPSC

DRAP launched

Answer (b) & explanation

PIB.

Go deeper

Official source: PIB: PIB Backgrounder: Lakshya Zero Dumpsite, 31 Jan 2026

facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending