Delhi’s Okhla landfill shrinks from 60m to 20m through biomining
The massive garbage mound at Okhla Landfill has been substantially reduced, shrinking from about 60 metres to nearly 20 metres in height. This transformation is the result of sustained bio-mining efforts aimed at clearing decades-old accumulated waste.
According to officials, more than 3.7 lakh tonnes of waste were processed during February and March 2026 alone, contributing significantly to the ongoing cleanup. The initiative forms part of broader efforts by Delhi to address long-standing waste management challenges and improve environmental conditions.
The large-scale remediation has also led to the reclamation of around 34 acres of land. Treated waste is being repurposed for uses such as refuse-derived fuel and land development, including the creation of eco-parks with plantations of native species like neem and peepal.
Biomining has played a crucial role in reducing the landfill’s size while recovering usable land. Authorities are working towards fully flattening the site by July 2026 as part of their cleanup targets.
