Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal recently visited the Bhalswa landfill site and announced plans to process and reduce approximately 45 lakh tonnes of waste from the site by May next year. This initiative aims to reclaim 35 acres of land, which can be repurposed in various ways.
Currently, Delhi has three landfill sites located in Okhla, Bhalswa, and Ghazipur. Kejriwal highlighted that the Bhalswa landfill site bears the burden of around 60-65 lakh tonnes of municipal waste, spread across 72 acres of land. Additionally, the site receives a daily influx of 2,000 tonnes of fresh waste.
The initial target was to reduce 14 lakh tonnes of waste from the Bhalswa landfill site, but the progress has been swift, with 18 lakh tonnes already reduced. The agency responsible for waste processing at the site now aims to further reduce waste by 30 lakh tonnes by May 2024.
To handle the remaining waste processing, another agency will be employed. However, the tendering process has faced delays as it needs to pass through the standing committee of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Efforts are being made to find an alternative solution to expedite the process.
Kejriwal also expressed his intention to visit the other two landfill sites in the near future. During his visit to the Bhalswa landfill site, he was accompanied by Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi, Deputy Mayor Aaley Mohammad Iqbal, Leader of the House in MCD Mukesh Goyal, and AAP’s MCD in-charge Durgesh Pathak.
This initiative by the Delhi government is a significant step towards reducing waste and reclaiming land for more productive purposes. It not only addresses the environmental concerns associated with landfill sites but also opens up opportunities for sustainable development in the city. The efforts to expedite the waste processing and find alternative solutions demonstrate the commitment of the government to tackle the waste management issue effectively.
With such initiatives, Delhi is moving towards a greener and more sustainable future, where waste is minimized, and land is utilized efficiently. This not only benefits the environment but also improves the quality of life for the residents of the city. It is commendable to see the government’s proactive approach and determination to make Delhi a cleaner and greener place for everyone.
Summery:
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal plans to process and reduce approximately 45 lakh tonnes of waste from the Bhalswa landfill site by May next year. This will result in the reclamation of 35 acres of land that can be repurposed. The Bhalswa landfill site currently holds around 60-65 lakh tonnes of municipal waste and receives 2,000 tonnes of fresh waste daily. The initial target was to reduce 14 lakh tonnes of waste, but the progress has been faster, with 18 lakh tonnes already reduced. The goal now is to reduce waste by 30 lakh tonnes by May 15, 2024. Another agency will be employed to handle the remaining waste processing. The tendering process has faced delays, but efforts are being made to expedite it. Kejriwal also plans to visit the other two landfill sites in Delhi.
Image Credit : TOI
