India, Oct. 1 -- Leachate, a toxic liquid produced when water passes through decomposing waste, can contaminate soil, groundwater, wetlands and farmland.

India's landfills face significant risks because much of the country's municipal waste is biodegradable and large quantities are dumped in open sites.

Studies at Delhi's Ghazipur landfill have detected hazardous substances, including cadmium, in groundwater at concentrations exceeding drinking water limits.

A September 2025 inspection of the Bandhwari landfill in Haryana found untreated leachate overflowing into plantation and forest areas, exposing gaps in collection and containment.

The article calls for modern, integrated treatment systems that account for changing leachate compos...