Chandigarh's Dadumajra landfill site has become a ticking environmental time bomb, according to a startling affidavit submitted by the Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee (CPCC). The report exposes severe mismanagement that threatens both public health and the environment in the planned city.
Leachate Contamination Reaches Critical Levels
The most alarming revelation concerns the untreated leachate - toxic liquid that forms as waste decomposes. The CPCC affidavit confirms that this hazardous substance is flowing untreated from the dumping site, posing a serious threat to groundwater resources in the region.
Key findings from the affidavit include:
- Complete absence of proper leachate treatment facilities
- Massive accumulation of unprocessed solid waste
- Inadequate waste management infrastructure
- Failure to implement basic environmental safeguards
Mounting Waste Crisis
The situation at Dadumajra has been deteriorating for years, with the site receiving approximately 550 metric tons of waste daily from Chandigarh and surrounding areas. The affidavit highlights the administration's failure to process this enormous volume of garbage, leading to the current environmental emergency.
Environmental and Health Implications
Environmental experts warn that the continuous flow of untreated leachate could contaminate groundwater aquifers, potentially affecting drinking water sources. The decomposing waste also generates methane gas and other harmful emissions, contributing to air pollution and creating health risks for nearby residents.
The CPCC's affidavit serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive waste management reforms in Chandigarh. As the city grapples with this growing environmental challenge, residents await concrete action from authorities to address this critical situation.
