Landfills are specific locations designated for the disposal of waste, where it is allowed to decompose over time. These sites accumulate vast amounts of refuse, including household waste, construction debris, and industrial materials. The accumulation of waste can lead to severe environmental issues, such as water contamination, air pollution, and soil degradation. In India, many cities are burdened with legacy landfills that have been in use for decades, necessitating immediate action for remediation.
The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) Urban 2.0 has set an ambitious target to clear 50% of legacy landfills in major Indian cities by 2026. This initiative aims to remediate or process long-standing waste sites that have dangerously increased over the years. The mission's objective is to address 2,421 landfill sites across the country, prioritizing the reduction of environmental damage and the effective repurposing of the land.
As of 2024, approximately 38% of the targeted waste has been remediated. Out of the 2,421 legacy landfills, 474 sites have been successfully cleared, resulting in the removal of 2,211 lakh tonnes of waste. However, the pace of progress remains slow, and numerous cities face challenges in commencing the clearance of 50% of their landfill sites before the 2026 deadline.
Clearing extensive landfills presents various hurdles:
Once landfills are cleared, cities are creatively repurposing the reclaimed land for various public and environmental benefits:
After the waste is cleared, it undergoes various processing methods for different uses:
The government is committed to continuing its efforts to address landfills by improving waste processing technology, establishing energy plants, and expanding recycling initiatives. Many cities aim to transform cleared land into green zones, parks, and public spaces, contributing to urban sustainability.
Significant progress has been made in landfill remediation under the Swachh Bharat Mission. However, substantial challenges persist. By enhancing infrastructure, advancing technology, and fostering community engagement, India can improve its waste management practices, leading to cleaner and greener urban environments.
Q1. What are the main environmental hazards of landfills?
Answer: Landfills pose risks such as water contamination, air pollution, and soil degradation due to the accumulation of waste and hazardous materials over time.
Q2. What is the target of the Swachh Bharat Mission regarding landfills?
Answer: The Swachh Bharat Mission aims to clear 50% of legacy landfills in major cities by 2026, focusing on remediation and repurposing efforts.
Q3. How much progress has been made in landfill remediation by 2024?
Answer: By 2024, 38% of the targeted waste has been remediated, with 474 of the 2,421 legacy landfills cleared, removing 2,211 lakh tonnes of waste.
Q4. What challenges do cities face in clearing landfills?
Answer: Major challenges include the large size of landfills, lack of necessary infrastructure, and the presence of hazardous materials complicating clearance efforts.
Q5. How is reclaimed landfill land being used by cities?
Answer: Cities are repurposing cleared landfill areas for public parks, eco-friendly projects, and infrastructure developments like metro depots and sports complexes.
Question 1: What is the primary goal of the Swachh Bharat Mission regarding landfills?
A) Increase waste production
B) Clear 50% of legacy landfills by 2026
C) Construct new landfills
D) Reduce recycling
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: By 2024, what percentage of targeted waste has been remediated under the Swachh Bharat Mission?
A) 10%
B) 25%
C) 38%
D) 50%
Correct Answer: C
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