Delhi's massive rubbish dumps are not just an eyesore but a significant source of methane emissions.
Hannah Ellis-Petersen and Aakash Hassan report for The Guardian.
In short:
- Delhi's landfills, including Ghazipur, Bhalswa, and Okhla, are identified as major sources of methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than CO2.
- The lack of waste segregation and gas capture systems in these landfills leads to the unchecked release of methane into the atmosphere.
- The situation is exacerbated by the frequent fires at these sites during summer, contributing to Delhi's severe air pollution and posing health risks to nearby residents.
Key quote:
"During the summer it catches fire every week because of all the gas and then it becomes even more disgusting here. It’s impossible to breathe and everyone gets sick because of the bad fumes and smoke we have to inhale."
— Mohammad Rizwan, shop owner near Ghazipur dumpsite
Why this matters:
The crisis at Delhi's landfills highlights the need for effective waste management and methane emission control in rapidly growing urban areas. This situation not only impacts local air quality and public health but also contributes significantly to global warming. Addressing these issues is crucial for sustainable urban development and the health of millions.
LISTEN: Pallavi Pant on decolonizing global air pollution research.
