New Delhi’s Bhalswa landfill, towering over 62 meters, has been a long-standing symbol of the city’s waste management crisis. Despite being declared overfilled in 2006, the site still receives fresh waste, contributing to severe environmental and health hazards for the surrounding community.
In a landmark green initiative, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta have launched a bamboo plantation drive at the landfill, aiming to transform the reclaimed land into a green zone.
With 200 bamboo saplings already planted, officials plan to introduce 54,000 more in the coming months. Bamboo was selected for its eco-friendly properties—it produces 30% more oxygen than most plants, requires minimal water, and helps curb air pollution in heavily contaminated areas.
Lallan Prasad, a caretaker at Bhalswa for 19 years, described the daily influx of waste, stating that 350-400 trucks continue to dump thousands of tons of garbage at the site. However, he noted that over the years, waste levels have reduced by 50%, with some progress visible.
Despite efforts to clear waste, locals continue to suffer from toxic air and hazardous conditions, leading to serious health issues.
“People here suffer from many diseases, but they stay because they have no other option. They need to earn a living,” Prasad said.
While he welcomed the bamboo plantation initiative, he also expressed concerns about toxic soil, which could hinder plant growth. However, if the bamboo thrives, it could offer shade, improve air quality, and help stabilize the landfill soil.
Bamboo has the potential to revitalize degraded landfill sites by:
– Stabilizing soil and preventing landslides.
– Absorbing excess moisture to reduce leachate contamination.
– Filtering toxins from groundwater and mitigating pollution.
– Acting as a natural carbon sink, absorbing CO₂ from decomposing waste.
While this bamboo plantation drive is a step forward, much more needs to be done to fully rehabilitate Bhalswa and improve the living conditions of nearby residents. Locals hope that this initiative will not only reduce pollution but also bring real change to their daily lives.