The newly elected Delhi government has committed to clearing the Bhalswa landfill, one of the city’s largest garbage dumps, by March 2026. This initiative aligns with its promise to improve the capital’s environment.
A Massive Waste Pile
Located on Delhi’s northern outskirts, Bhalswa is a towering mountain of waste, reaching up to 60 meters in height. Official estimates state that over 4 million tons of garbage are piled at the site.
Efforts to Reclaim the Land
Delhi’s Environment Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, announced the cleanup at an event where officials planted bamboo saplings on a reclaimed section of the landfill. He stated that the site once spanned 70 acres, but 25 acres have already been reclaimed. By the end of 2025, he expects the landfill to no longer be visible from a distance.
Ongoing Challenges
Cleanup efforts began in 2019, and within the first year, the landfill’s height was reduced by 11-12 meters. However, waste continues to be added. As of 2023, Delhi generates over 11,000 tons of solid waste daily, posing a challenge to the cleanup process.
Political Commitment to a Cleaner Delhi
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won Delhi’s local elections in February, focusing on environmental issues such as landfill cleanup, air pollution, and the toxic Yamuna River. After Bhalswa, the government plans to tackle the Okhla and Ghazipur landfills.
Impact on Nearby Communities
Thousands of Delhi’s poorest residents live near the Bhalswa landfill, many relying on scavenging to earn a living. The government’s cleanup plan aims to improve their living conditions while addressing a major environmental hazard.
