The problem of waste management is a looming issue, especially in a city like Delhi where landfills have exceeded their capacity. In a bid to reduce the height of the Bhalswa landfill, the North Delhi Municipal Corporation resorted to dumping inert soil on it, but this solution only increases the ground coverage and doesn't address the issue of untreated toxins from the inert material that will eventually seep into the new dumping grounds. This approach is a temporary fix that doesn't help in the long run.
The Chhav site is an interstitial space owned by I&FC that the community proposed to develop around existing DJB infrastructure to provide an open space for the community and serve as an access point into the informal settlement. The dumping of inert soil in the area is hazardous and poses several risks to the community's safety.
Firstly, it could lead to the closure of evacuation paths in case of fire at the settlement or falling of the landfill, endangering the lives of the people living there. Secondly, the dumping of inert soil could lead to leaching due to stormwater, which would release toxins into the surrounding area. Lastly, stormwater runoff from the dumping site could cause health and safety hazards in the settlement.
It's time to address the issue of waste management in Delhi holistically. Instead of resorting to temporary solutions like dumping inert soil on existing landfills, we need to focus on long-term, sustainable solutions. The community needs open spaces like Chhav, but it must be done without compromising their safety and well-being.
It's time for the government and the community to come together to find a sustainable solution to Delhi's waste management problem. It's time to prioritize the health and safety of the people and the environment over short-term solutions that only kick the can down the road. Let's work together to find a solution that's good for everyone.