CPCB Report Reveals Toxic Truth Of BMC’s Adampur Landfill In MP; Leachate, Groundwater Tests Reveal Severe Pollution

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The report submitted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to the Supreme Court in connection with frequent fire incidents at the AdampurChawani dumpsite in Bhopal reveals the Bhopal Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) neglect of the 30,000-odd villagers.

According to the report, analysis of leachate and groundwater samples collected from the Adampur landfill site and its surrounding areas has revealed alarming levels of pollution, raising serious concerns about public health and environmental safety.

Apart from this, according to official data released by the BMC’s Fire Brigade, four separate fire incidents have occurred at the landfill in the past two years.

The most recent blaze broke out between April 22 and 24, 2025, affecting approximately 3 acres near the top section of the dumpsite. Earlier this year, a fire broke out on February 4 near Gate No. 3, causing damage to approximately 0.25 acres.

In 2024, a fire on April 24 scorched 0.5 acres in the middle area of the landfill, while the 2023 incident, lasting from May 18 to 20, affected two acres in the pre-sorting area.

Leachate analysis: Contaminants exceed safe limits

The Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level is at a staggering 21,975 mg/L, exceeding the prescribed limit of 2,100 mg/L by nearly tenfold. 

Chloride levels stand at 5,733 mg/L, over five times the acceptable limit of 1,000 mg/L.

The Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), an indicator of organic pollutants, is 6,375 mg/L, which is 25 times the safe standard of 250 mg/L. 

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels also soar at 1,490 mg/L, nearly 30 times the permitted limit of 30 mg/L. 

Heavy metals such as Iron (7.095 mg/L), Nickel (0.3639 mg/L), and Lead (0.161 mg/L) further underline the toxic nature of the leachate.

Groundwater carries contamination into communities

The contamination isn't limited to the dumpsite. Groundwater samples from bore wells near the landfill present equally disturbing data. 

TDS levels reach 1,151 mg/L near Bhagat Singh Thakur House well above the standard of 500 mg/L. In the same location, iron content is recorded at 1.32 mg/L, four times the acceptable limit of 0.3 mg/L.

At Samardha Resort, iron peaks at a shocking 30 times the permissible limit (17.04 mg/L), and magnesium is high at 123 mg/L against a limit of 30 mg/L. 

A disturbing revelation is the level of calcium (307 mg/L) and hardness (440 mg/L) at Samardha Resort’s bore well, significantly higher than the acceptable values, making the water unfit for consumption without treatment.

Notably, lead, cadmium, and nickel, highly toxic metals, have been found above or close to safe limits at multiple points.

CPCB’s Recommendations: Eight-point plan for action

Expand Waste Processing Facilities: Address the 125 TPD gap to avoid adding fresh waste to legacy piles.

Complete Bioremediation: Start cleanup of 4.5 lakh tonnes of legacy waste.

Segregation & Demarcation: Clearly mark zones for different waste categories.

On-Site Emergency Plans: Create risk mitigation plans per CPCB’s 2022 directives.

Install Surveillance & Methane Detectors: Monitor for potential flare-ups.

Engage Waste-to-Energy Facilities: Avoid RDF storage, which increases fire risk.

Improve Recordkeeping: Track all fire incidents and waste flow.

Public Health Monitoring: Ensure residents receive medical support if affected.

Published on: Thursday, August 07, 2025, 10:21 PM IST