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A giant mountain of garbage, considered the tallest in the world, exceeds 70 meters high and covers 283 thousand square meters. The impressive structure evidences the serious disposal and waste management problems faced by several regions of the planet.
From afar, it looks like a hill. Up close, the smell reveals: it’s garbage. The Ghazipur landfill in Delhi, India, is a mountain of waste that grows day by day. At nearly 72 meters tall, it rivals the Taj Mahal in size. The mountain of garbage keeps growing.
The Mountain of Garbage Has Become a Huge Problem
Created in 1984, the landfill occupies about 283,280.2 square meters in the Ghazipur area.
The maximum capacity was reached in 2002. Even so, trucks keep arriving with tons of garbage every day.
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Today, the site accumulates over 14 million tons of waste. It is one of the largest landfills in the world.
And it is far from being deactivated. Delhi, with its more than 20 million inhabitants, produces over 11,000 tons of garbage daily. A significant part of this volume goes straight to Ghazipur.
Risks and Tragedies
The impact on the lives of residents is enormous. The stench is constant, especially in the summer. Fires occur frequently, releasing toxic smoke in the area.
Residents report respiratory issues, illnesses, and difficulties breathing.
“Everyone living around is getting sick, and it’s hard to breathe,” said Ibrahim Khan, 71, a resident of Mulla Colony. “I am a heart patient and have difficulty breathing.”
In September 2017, part of the mountain of garbage collapsed. More than 50 million tons of waste buried dozens of people and cars. In April 2024, another large fire engulfed the landfill, spreading thick smoke throughout the area.
An Uncertain Future
Promises of solutions have come from various governments, but no effective measures have been taken. Meanwhile, the mountain continues to grow.
From a distance, it deceives. It looks like a natural elevation. But the reality is much harsher. The slopes of the landfill have collapsed before, and the risk remains.
The “Everest of Garbage,” as some call it, has become a symbol of neglect. A daily reminder of the urban waste crisis. The population is waiting for concrete action. But so far, nothing has changed.
Garbage That Keeps Coming
The flow is constant. Trucks dump garbage every day. Even when full, the landfill continues to operate. The city produces more than it can process. And Ghazipur pays the price.
For now, the scenario remains the same. And the mountain of garbage keeps growing, above the city, above the promises.
With information from Sky News.
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