Bhalswa landfill site major factor of air pollution: Jain

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain today inspected Bhalswa landfill and said it was "one of the major contributor" of air pollution in the city due to frequent fires at the dumping site.
"This is a big cause of air pollution in Delhi as there are frequent cases of fire at several spots at the site. There is a need to address this problem," he told reporters.
The minister said the Delhi government and civic bodies are working out a plan to dispose the excess garbage and douse flames.
"MCD (Municipal Corporation of Delhi) has asked for 15 to 20 days to douse the fire," Jain said.

The government is also considering to use part of garbage for road construction and rest can be utilised in waste-to-energy plant, he said.
Pollution was a critical problem that needs to be immediately addressed.

Located in north-west Delhi, Bhalswa landfill site is spread over 21 acres and was commissioned in 1994. It receives about 2,700 tonnes of garbage per day.
Delhi Congress leaders had in June met Lt Governor Najeeb Jung regarding pollution caused by the landfill site and urged him for its closure.
"Smouldering Bhalswa land fill has not only made the air in the area toxic and highly polluted, but the underground water in the area has also been contaminated," they had said.