The Ghazipur landfill in Delhi, India, is often called “India’s Everest of Garbage”. This is not a title of pride, but a stark representation of the country’s struggle with waste management. The landfill is a massive, rapidly growing mountain of trash that has reached alarming heights. It is a grim reminder of the consequences of uncontrolled waste disposal and poses serious environmental and health risks.
Opened in 1984, the Ghazipur landfill reached its capacity in 2002. Despite this, waste continues to be dumped at the site. The relentless piling of garbage has caused the landfill to grow to a height of 213 feet. It is expected to surpass the height of the Taj Mahal (239 feet) soon. This comparison highlights the scale of the problem. It juxtaposes the majestic beauty of the Taj Mahal with the dark, dirty sight of a massive trash mountain. The landfill now covers an area equivalent to more than 40 football pitches. It is growing at a rate of approximately 10 meters per year.
The uncontrolled dumping leads to numerous environmental hazards. The landfill emits toxic gases, including methane, and is a source of groundwater pollution. Frequent fires break out which release harmful smoke. Methane emissions from the garbage can be deadly when mixed with the atmosphere.
The landfill’s impact extends to the health of nearby residents. People living in the vicinity suffer from respiratory issues due to the foul odour and smoke from fires. A recent study indicates the dump poses a significant health risk, including cancer, to people within a five-kilometre radius.
The situation at Ghazipur reflects the failure of waste management in India, particularly in New Delhi. Despite the implementation of Solid Waste Management Rules in 2016, which mandated waste segregation, most citizens are not aware of the concept. Even when citizens attempt to segregate waste, municipalities often lack the facilities to manage it properly. As a result, segregated waste ends up being mixed. Waste pickers at collection centres also report a lack of instruction or facilities for dealing with segregated waste.
The failure of waste management extends beyond the household level. Waste-to-energy plants, intended to be a solution, are not effective due to the mixed waste they receive. Experts suggest a need for decentralised solutions and that landfills should only be used for rejects and inert materials. There is a clear need for a comprehensive, 360-degree solution to stop the continuous dumping and pollution of air and groundwater.
The Ghazipur landfill has become a symbol of the challenges facing India’s waste management system. The Supreme Court even warned authorities to add red warning lights to the landfill to alert passing jets. The situation at Ghazipur is not just a local concern; it is a national crisis that needs immediate attention.
Comments and Reactions