Activists seek Centre’s help to check leachate discharge into Aravalis, Pg5.

Key Highlights:

• Environmentalists allege continuous discharge of untreated leachate from the Bandhwari landfill site on the Gurugram-Faridabad road into the Aravali forest region.
• The leachate is reportedly pooling in forest depressions, contaminating wildlife water holes and posing health risks to nearby residents.
• Activists submitted multiple complaints and evidence to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), but the issue persists despite repeated orders.
• The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) was accused of failing to construct the promised “garland drain” to prevent runoff into the Aravalis.
• The matter has also been raised with the Chief Wildlife Warden, Panchkula, and is pending before the Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC).
• HHRC has sought a report from the Chief Secretary of Haryana on the issue.

Detailed Insights:

• Ecological Impact: The Aravalis serve as an ecological barrier protecting Delhi-NCR from desertification and maintaining groundwater recharge. Leachate discharge threatens this fragile ecosystem.
• Health Hazard: The contaminated leachate carries heavy metals, pathogens, and toxins, endangering both human health and wildlife habitats.
• Governance Failure: Despite NGT monitoring and repeated directives, implementation gaps and delays in treating legacy waste persist.
• Administrative Inaction: Lack of accountability in solid waste management and failure to maintain protective infrastructure have aggravated the crisis.
• Legal Context: The issue underscores the importance of enforcing the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 and ensuring compliance with environmental protection mandates.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Leachate: A toxic liquid formed when rainwater or moisture passes through waste, dissolving and carrying harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and pathogens.
• Legacy Waste: Accumulated waste at landfills that has remained untreated for years, posing long-term pollution risks.
• Garland Drain: A drainage system designed to divert leachate or surface runoff away from sensitive ecosystems.