New Delhi: The Delhi government has stepped up efforts to clear the city’s garbage mountains, reclaiming around 100 acres of land through biomining and waste management. The reclaimed area is roughly equal to 60 football fields.
The initiative focuses on Delhi’s three major landfill sites — Bhalswa, Okhla and Ghazipur — as the government works to fulfil its commitment to tackle the city’s long-standing waste problem.
100 Acres Reclaimed From Three Landfills
Bhalswa in North Delhi has recorded the largest land recovery. Around 1 crore tonnes of waste has been cleared, freeing nearly 45 acres.
At Okhla, around 70 lakh tonnes of waste has been removed, helping reclaim about 35 acres. Ghazipur has seen biomining of around 44 lakh tonnes, resulting in the recovery of nearly 20 acres.
Together, these efforts have helped reclaim around 100 acres of land.
Processed Waste Used in Roads
The government is using biomining to remove and process old waste accumulated at the landfill sites. Some of the processed material is being used for road construction, including as a base layer beneath roads.
Delhi is also developing new waste-processing plants. Once operational, these facilities are expected to process newly generated waste more efficiently and reduce the chances of new garbage mountains forming.
Okhla Cleanup Faces Deadline Challenge
Despite the progress, completing the landfill cleanup remains a major challenge. The deadline for clearing the Okhla landfill has been extended for the fifth time this year.
Fresh waste also continues to reach the landfill sites every day. This makes it important for the government to manage both existing waste and daily waste generation at the same time.
Focus on Scientific Waste Management
The Delhi government has said it is focusing on scientific and environmentally friendly waste management. Reclaiming 100 acres marks significant progress, but sustained biomining and stronger daily waste-processing systems will be crucial for preventing future accumulation.
If the planned waste-processing infrastructure operates effectively, Delhi could gradually move from simply clearing old garbage mountains to preventing new ones from forming.
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