India is currently grappling with a profound waste management crisis. The overflowing landfills scattered across the nation pose significant environmental and public health risks. Every day, cities produce an immense amount of waste that often ends up in these landfills, further aggravating pollution levels. As reported by CNN, more than 3,100 landfills are present throughout the country, a troubling statistic that highlights the scale of the issue.
India is responsible for approximately 7,793 tons, or 8.5%, of the global textile waste each year, as noted in the "Waste to Wealth Report" by Reverse Resources. The sources of this waste can be broken down as follows:
Several cities in India have major landfill sites that highlight the ongoing waste crisis:
Delhi has three primary landfill sites: Ghazipur, Okhla, and Bhalswa. Among these, Ghazipur is the largest, sprawling over 70 acres and surpassing the height of the Taj Mahal as of 2021. This landfill emits harmful gases and leachate into the surrounding environment, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable waste management solutions. The city generates around 11,332 tonnes of solid waste daily, according to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
Mumbai produces about 6,400 tonnes of waste every day, with the Deonar landfill being the largest and oldest. The site is notorious for releasing toxic gases that lead to respiratory and other health complications among nearby residents. In response, the Mumbai Climate Action Plan (MCAP) has set a goal to close and rehabilitate the Deonar dumping ground by 2025.
Panipat, often referred to as the "cast-off capital," is a key player in textile recycling. However, it is also burdened with landfills overflowing with discarded textiles, leading to severe environmental and health risks. Daily, hundreds of tonnes of unwanted clothing arrive in Panipat from various international sources.
The Mitaganahalli landfill in Bengaluru receives over 3,000 tons of waste daily, comprising both dry and wet waste. This includes vegetable peels, recyclable bottles, plastic items, paper, and discarded clothing.
To combat the landfill crisis, several measures can be undertaken:
India generates approximately 150,000 metric tons of urban solid waste each day, with an alarming 90% of it ending up in landfills. These sites, often referred to as dump yards, impact tens of thousands of people living nearby.
Settlements around landfills have transformed from distant suburbs into overcrowded areas. The residents, including waste pickers and daily wage earners, endure toxic fumes and polluted water, often comprising relocated slum households and low-income families unable to afford housing elsewhere.
Communities near landfills face severe health challenges due to exposure to toxic air and contaminated water. High contaminant levels in groundwater can lead to chronic illnesses like tuberculosis and gastrointestinal disorders. Many residents rely on waste picking for their livelihoods, exposing themselves to daily health risks.
Various initiatives aim to address these challenges:
To foster equitable and sustainable urban environments, collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities is essential. A comprehensive strategy is necessary to enhance living conditions for those residing near landfills, including improving services, providing safe livelihood opportunities, and remediating existing sites. By prioritizing these actions, India can progress toward more inclusive, safe, and sustainable urban spaces for all its citizens.
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