Environment Ministry nod for Bawana landfill site

In spite of protests from the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Environment Ministry has given nod to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for the establishment of a sanitary landfill facility to dump garbage at Narela-Bawana in northwest Delhi.

In spite of protests from the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Environment Ministry has given nod to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for the establishment of a sanitary landfill facility to dump garbage at Narela-Bawana in northwest Delhi.

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The Rs 70 crore-integrated solid waste management facility is proposed to be developed by Hyderabad-based Ramky Enviro Engineer Ltd in collaboration with the municipal body and aims to meet Delhi's garbage disposal needs for the next 20 years.

Citing bird strikes and environmental threat to its adjacent station, the IAF strongly opposed the proposed facility spread over 100 acres of land.

According to the civic body, the proposed site would be scientifically developed keeping in view all environmental norms to prevent groundwater contamination and would be insulated from human habitation. "Moreover, we are planting trees all around the site," said a senior official.

The civic agency is hoping the development of this new landfill site would ease pressure on the city grappling with huge garbage problem given that the existing sites — Ghazipur in east Delhi, Bhalswa-Jahangirpuri in north Delhi and Okhla in south Delhi — have already exhausted their capacity.

About 6,000 to 7,000 tonnes per day of municipal solid waste is generated in Delhi.