Australian vlogger calls Delhi landfill an 'uppercut to the nose'. Netizens clap back, 'What were you expecting, lavender?'

Australian travel vlogger and former Survivor contestant Jaden Laing has ignited an online storm with his recent visit to Delhi’s Ghazipur landfill, describing the experience as “a straight uppercut to the nose.” In a now-viral video posted on his social media, Laing is seen visibly overwhelmed by the stench as he approaches the site, which he dubs "garbage mountain."

What began as a casual ride through the city with a friend quickly spiraled into a sensory overload as the towering trash heap loomed into view. “Get an Uber out of here. I am actually going to vomit,” he exclaims, before retreating to the roadside, head in hands, stunned by the odour. The landfill, standing over 236 feet tall and spread across 70 acres, has long been a visible and problematic symbol of Delhi’s urban waste crisis.

Netizens Question the Narrative
Laing’s dramatic reaction, though relatable to some, hasn’t sat well with everyone. While some viewers were amused, many Indians accused the influencer of reinforcing stereotypical narratives about India. One user pointedly asked, “You walk into a landfill and complain about the smell? What were you expecting, fresh lavender?”

Another comment went deeper, questioning the intent behind such content: “I don’t understand why so many tourists from outside India choose to spend thousands of dollars just to highlight slums and garbage... You had a real opportunity to show the better side of India — its spirit, innovation, warmth, and heritage.”

The criticism echoed a broader frustration where creators spotlight the harshest realities of a country without balancing them with its cultural and historical richness.

An Infamous Landmark with a Troubled Legacy
Established in 1984, the Ghazipur landfill was meant to serve as a temporary waste site. However, due to years of mismanagement, it has grown into one of India’s largest and most hazardous dumping grounds. According to official reports, the site reached its capacity in 2002 but continues to receive waste. The area is plagued by environmental hazards including toxic gas emissions, water contamination, and frequent fire outbreaks.

As per the video’s caption, Laing’s whirlwind Delhi tour took him from Ghazipur’s fumes to a fish and meat market, where he made another quick exit. “I can’t eat, bro. I can’t even breathe,” he says, before hastily hailing an auto-rickshaw to Old Delhi.

The Real Question: What Story Are We Telling?
While Jaden Laing’s shock may have been genuine, his visit has reignited conversations about how influencers and content creators portray India. Is it fair to judge a country by its landfills? Should shock-value content come at the cost of cultural nuance?

As one netizen sharply put it: “India has over a thousand incredible places worth visiting… yet some travellers seem to focus on the negative just for views.”

Laing’s video may have drawn millions of eyeballs, but it has also highlighted something more valuable — the urgent need for responsible storytelling in the age of viral content. Because sometimes, the real waste lies not in landfills, but in lost opportunities to showcase truth with empathy.