UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

A sanitary landfill is engineered to reduce the environmental problems associated with simple open dumping. It typically includes liners to prevent leachate from contaminating groundwater, systems to collect and treat leachate and gas, and daily soil cover to reduce odour, pests and wind-blown litter. Waste is compacted to optimise space and stability. Thus, the description in Option B of controlled placement with lining, compaction and cover expresses the essential features of a sanitary landfill.

Option A:
Option A is incorrect because open dumping lacks controls on leachate, gas and vectors, leading to serious health and environmental risks. Such dumps are the opposite of sanitary landfills.

Option B:
Option B is correct as it highlights the design elements that distinguish sanitary landfills from crude dumping grounds. Properly engineered landfills aim to isolate waste from the environment as it decomposes.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect as burning waste in the open emits toxic smoke and particulate matter. Open burning is discouraged in modern waste management and is not a feature of sanitary landfills.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because discharging untreated liquid waste into rivers violates basic pollution control principles. Landfills are meant to safely contain and treat pollutants, not release them directly into water bodies.