How People Live On A Flaming Garbage Dump | World Wide Waste | Business Insider

Thousands of people risk their lives every day collecting trash in one of India's largest landfills. The Bhalswa landfill, located in New Delhi, has become a hotbed of danger and environmental hazards due to the increasing frequency of fires. The situation is dire, and the people who work and live in the vicinity are facing a looming crisis.

The Human Cost of Landfill Fires

The landfill fires have devastated the lives of those who work at the Bhalswa landfill. Shahabuddin, a long-time resident, lost his life savings of plastic and scrap metal to the flames. The impact of these fires goes beyond the immediate loss of livelihood – the toxic fumes and poor air quality pose significant health risks to the people living nearby. Dr. Jivasao, who has been treating patients from the landfill for over 20 years, has witnessed the detrimental effects of the fires on the community's health.

Environmental and Governmental Impact

The Bhalswa landfill was supposed to close over a decade ago, yet it continues to accept massive amounts of garbage daily. The overflow of waste has put immense strain on the surrounding environment, with inadequate drainage systems leading to groundwater contamination. The air quality in India, as measured by the Air Quality Index, ranks among the worst in the world, resulting in a staggering number of premature deaths due to air pollution.

Seeking Solutions: The Way Forward

The situation at the Bhalswa landfill is a microcosm of the larger waste management challenges faced by India. As the government works towards removing the waste from the site and implementing recycling and waste processing facilities, the plight of the ragpickers – who make a meager living from collecting recyclables – remains a pressing concern. Activists and experts emphasize the need for waste segregation at the source to minimize the burden on landfills.

In conclusion, the landfill fires in India are a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and sustainable solutions. The human and environmental toll cannot be ignored, and it is imperative for all stakeholders to come together to address this critical challenge.