Gunung Sampah Terbesar di Asia & Sarang Penyakit, Inilah Ghazipur !

Summary

India is facing a severe waste crisis, with the Gazipur landfill near Delhi growing to over 70 meters tall. Despite being scheduled for closure in 2002, it continues to receive millions of tons of waste each year, causing devastating environmental and health impacts for the 4 million people living nearby. Pollution from the landfill leads to diseases and water contamination. The informal waste-picking community survives by scavenging at the site, though under hazardous conditions. India's waste management is overwhelmed, producing 1.3 billion tons of waste annually. Urgent improvements in waste segregation, recycling, and government action are needed to address the crisis.

Takeaways

• 😀 India is the third-largest contributor to carbon emissions globally, producing 2.6 billion tons per year.
• 🗑️ India's largest waste mountain, the Gazipur landfill, has exceeded 70 meters in height, surpassing even the Taj Mahal.
• 🏠 Over 4 million people near Gazipur are at risk due to hazardous conditions, including contaminated water and dangerous air quality.
• 🚛 The Gazipur landfill, which should have been closed in 2002, still receives 11,000 tons of waste per day, exacerbating the environmental crisis.
• 🐦 Various animals, including scavengers like birds, dogs, and rats, roam freely in the dangerous, foul-smelling waste mountain area.
• 💧 The residents of Gazipur lack access to clean water, relying on contaminated water sources for daily survival.
• ☠️ Pollution in India, including water and air contamination, leads to around 1.6 million deaths annually, the highest in the world.
• 🔥 A fire at Gazipur in 2022 caused by methane gas further worsened the air quality, making it difficult for residents to breathe.
• ♻️ The introduction of a waste-to-energy plant at Gazipur has reduced waste, but it emits harmful toxins, worsening public health issues.
• 💰 Around 75,000 waste pickers in Delhi, including in the Gazipur area, earn a living from the landfill despite the dangerous conditions.
• 🌍 India generates 1.3 billion tons of waste annually, contributing a significant portion of the world’s waste, and this number is expected to rise in the coming years.

Q & A

What is India's rank in terms of carbon emissions worldwide?

India ranks third in the world for carbon emissions, contributing 2.6 billion tons of carbon emissions annually as of 2022.

What is the significance of the Gazipur landfill in India?

The Gazipur landfill, located in India, is one of the largest waste dumps in the country, having reached a height of 65 meters in 2020. It is now believed to exceed 70 meters, surpassing the height of the Taj Mahal.

How many people are at risk due to the Gazipur landfill?

More than 4 million people living near the Gazipur landfill are at risk due to the hazardous conditions created by the massive waste pile.

What is the impact of the Gazipur landfill on local residents?

The residents of Gazipur live in extremely poor conditions, with no access to clean water and polluted environments. Many rely on toxic water for daily needs, and the area is plagued by diseases like malaria, chikungunya, and respiratory issues.

Why was the Gazipur landfill supposed to be closed in 2002?

The Gazipur landfill was meant to be closed in 2002 after reaching its maximum capacity of 20 meters in height, but it continues to operate today, receiving waste daily.

What environmental issues are caused by the Gazipur landfill?

The landfill generates significant air pollution, particularly due to methane emissions, and has caused fires, which are exacerbated by the presence of toxic fumes. The area is also contaminated with water and soil pollution.

How do local people make a living near the Gazipur landfill?

Thousands of people, known as 'rubbish pickers' or 'ragpickers', earn a livelihood by sorting through the waste at the landfill. They recover recyclable materials such as food, clothing, and even hair to sell, despite the hazardous conditions.

What role does the waste recycling plant at Gazipur play?

A waste recycling plant in Gazipur processes the garbage by converting it into electricity. While this reduces the amount of waste, the smoke emitted from the plant is harmful and causes health issues for the surrounding population.

What challenges are hindering the closure of the Gazipur landfill?

The main challenge is the high influx of new waste every day, making it difficult to keep up with the cleanup efforts. Despite plans to close the landfill by December 2024, the cleanup process is slow, and the situation remains dire.

What are the larger implications of India's waste management issues?

India faces a significant waste management crisis, with over 3,000 poorly managed landfills across the country. India is the largest contributor to methane emissions from landfills, and its waste generation is set to increase in the coming years, further exacerbating environmental challenges.