Why in news?
Residents and environmental activists near the Bandhwari landfill in Haryana have appealed to the Union environment ministry to stop the discharge of untreated leachate into the surrounding Aravalli hills. Videos shared by locals showed black, foul‑smelling liquid flowing from the landfill into nearby streams and fields, raising concerns about contamination of groundwater and wildlife habitats.
Background
Leachate is the contaminated liquid that forms when rainwater or moisture percolates through piles of waste in a landfill. As water drains through decomposing rubbish, it picks up dissolved organic matter, ammonia, heavy metals, chemicals and disease‑causing microorganisms. This toxic brew typically collects at the bottom of the landfill, where it must be captured and treated to prevent pollution. If leachate is allowed to escape, it can seep into soil and groundwater or run off into rivers, posing serious risks to human health and ecosystems.
The Bandhwari landfill case
- Location: The Bandhwari dumping site is located on the Gurgaon–Faridabad road, near the Aravalli hill range. It receives municipal waste from Gurgaon, Faridabad and other cities.
- Recurring leakage: Locals have repeatedly reported dark leachate leaking from the landfill into the surrounding countryside. They allege that despite orders from the National Green Tribunal and findings by the Central Pollution Control Board, the landfill management has not installed adequate leachate treatment systems.
- Environmental impact: The contaminated liquid is said to have polluted streams used for irrigation and drinking water, harmed wildlife in the Aravalli forests and created a foul odour in nearby villages.
- Calls for action: Activists are urging authorities to line the landfill properly, build functional leachate collection and treatment facilities, and hold officials accountable for negligence.
Why leachate management matters
- Protecting water resources: Uncontrolled leachate can contaminate groundwater aquifers and surface water bodies, making them unfit for drinking and irrigation.
- Preventing ecological damage: Toxic substances in leachate can kill fish, harm plants and animals, and disrupt delicate food chains.
- Safeguarding public health: Exposure to pathogens and hazardous chemicals in leachate may cause skin disorders, gastrointestinal illnesses and long‑term health problems for communities living near landfills.
- Promoting sustainable waste management: Properly designed landfills with liners, drains and treatment plants reduce leachate generation and encourage recycling and composting to minimise waste.
Conclusion
The situation at Bandhwari highlights the hidden dangers of landfill leachate and the need for stricter monitoring and modern waste management practices. Authorities must act quickly to stop the pollution, protect residents and ecosystems, and invest in infrastructure that safely handles leachate at all waste disposal sites.
Source: The Times of India