Deadly Moshi garbage depot collapse raises waste crisis questions

The Moshi garbage depot collapse on 8 July killed nine workers at a waste-to-energy plant in Pimpri-Chinchwad.

The plant, operated by Antony Lara Renewable Energy Pvt Ltd, was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi in August 2023.

Pimpri-Chinchwad generates 1,579 tonnes of solid waste daily but processes only 700 tonnes, leaving waste to accumulate for 35 years.

The collapse occurred after heavy rain destabilized a 70-foot garbage mound onto the plant's administrative building.

The Central Pollution Control Board flagged the Moshi plant in 2025 for non-compliance with Solid Waste Management Rules, adding prior regulatory scrutiny.