Leachate, a toxic liquid formed when water passes through decomposing waste, poses significant risks to soil, groundwater, wetlands, and farmland in India. The country’s landfills are particularly vulnerable due to the biodegradable nature of its municipal waste and the common practice of dumping in open sites.
Studies at Delhi’s Ghazipur landfill have detected hazardous substances, including cadmium, in groundwater at concentrations exceeding drinking water limits. Furthermore, an inspection of the Bandhwari landfill in Haryana in September 2025 revealed untreated leachate overflowing into nearby plantation and forest areas, indicating critical gaps in collection and containment systems. The article calls for modern, integrated treatment systems capable of adapting to the changing composition of leachate throughout a landfill’s lifecycle.
Source: Down To Earth