A Sustainable Path
Achan landfill dumping site is currently in spotlight due to its long term implications on ecological health and well being of communities living in or nearby to this area. Located in Syedpora only few kilometers from Lalchowk. This area was once known for a lush and ecologically active wetland supporting a flourishing ecosystem covering an area of about 600 kanals.
This area was formally designated for waste disposal in 1985, intended initially as a temporary dumping site. With urbanization, population growth, weak and improper waste management systems Achan turned into a massive landfill stretching over several hectares. As per the research published in International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology nearly 450 metric tons of solid waste is produced in the city which finds its way directly to Achan landfill. As a result, Achan has transformed into a source of foul odor, air pollution, groundwater contamination and serious public risk for surrounding communities. Relying on the traditional waste management systems like open dumping, waste burning, waste relocation etc., will not be sufficient to address the problem such methods are neither sustainable nor aligned with ecological well being. In contrast, Nature Based Solutions hold a more holistic, integrated, sustainable and environmentally restorative approach to address this long term problem.
As per International Union of Nature and Natural Resources – nature based solutions are the actions to protect, sustainably manage and restore natural or modified ecosystems that address societal challenges, effectively and adaptively; while simultaneously provide human well being and biodiversity benefits. In waste perspective NBS views waste as a resource that can be recycled, decomposed or turned into useful materials through natural biological processes.
One strategy relevant for Achan reclamation is Phytoremediation, where specially selected plants absorb toxic pollutants and heavy metals from soil and underground waste leachate. Plants such as Poplar and Willow are known for their ability to absorb heavy metals. A study published in Journal of Environmental Management revealed that both Poplar and Willow trees are able to treat landfill leachate including heavy metals, however, under higher concentrations poplar species is better, showing greater removal of heavy metals, nutrients and reducing BOD, COD more effectively. Planting willows and poplar trees as these plants are already well adapted to regions climate at the Achan Landfill can help to restore the site, as these fast growing species naturally absorb and breakdown toxic metals. Another effective strategy is to develop urban green belts or buffer forest zones surrounding the landfill area. Contaminated soil can contribute to the wider spread of pollutants, not only through water infiltration but also by the movement of soil particles themselves, which may be carried by wind or flowing water.
To minimize this secondary spread, physical containment strategies can be applied. One common approach is to reduce soil erosion by covering the polluted surface with a layer of clean soil or establishing natural vegetation. This cover layer acts as a physical barrier, effectively trapping the contaminated material beneath and limiting the transport of both airborne and waterborne particles.
Another best nature based solution to this grave problem includes the concept of constructed wetland system. Since the Achan landfill drains into Anchar lake, the restoration of the dumping site must be integrated with lake rehabilitation. Constructed wetlands can be positioned along the drainage routes to intercept leachate before it reaches the lake, where physical filtration, microbial segregation and plant uptake significantly reduce nutrient and metal loading. Within Achan lake small Floating Treatment Wetlands can be deployed. FTWs involves buoyant rafts planted with hydrophytic vegetation whose roots extend into the water column, enhancing pollutant removal through plant uptake and microbial activity. This combined NBS approach will support both landfill remediation and freshwater ecosystem restoration in a cost effective and low energy manner. By adopting these Nature Based Solutions, Achan will rejuvenate ecosystems, safeguard community wellbeing and transform waste management into a sustainable long term resilience strategy
Shah Khalid Ahmad, Ph.D Scholar at IUST Kashmir
