A giant landfill on the outskirts of India’s capital has caught fire, unleashing a toxic cloud of smoke across New Delhi. And while local authorities say they have managed to contain the blaze, it’s the smoke that is raising growing health concerns.

Ghazipur

A significant fire at a landfill on the outskirts of New Delhi has caused considerable alarm as it released a toxic cloud of smoke over India's capital. Local authorities have reportedly managed to contain the fire, but the persistent smoke continues to elevate health concerns among New Delhi's residents.

The landfill, which covers an area equivalent to 40 football fields and rises to a height of 65 metres, ignited during a spike in temperatures. Despite the blaze being brought under control, the toxic smoke has severely affected the quality of life for people living in densely populated areas nearby. Residents have reported burning eyes and difficulty stepping outside, with children particularly affected, resulting in tears and distress.

This incident isn't the first time a landfill has caught fire during a heatwave in the region, raising questions about the management and environmental impact of waste disposal in India. The landfill had reached its maximum capacity in 2002, yet waste has continued to accumulate, exacerbating pollution and posing a risk to public health. Officials have used approximately 10 to 12 fire extinguishers to manage the situation, and efforts are underway to address the smoke problem.

India's struggle with waste management has come under scrutiny, with landfills producing gases that can lead to fires. The interaction between compressed wet metal or waste can generate heat, causing the emission of flammable gases. The current crisis has prompted calls for a lasting solution to the country's waste management problems, with over 60 million tonnes of waste dumped annually. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which is currently facing criticism, has sought to distance itself from the issue by laying blame on the state's incarcerated leader.

Environmental experts warn that unless comprehensive measures are taken, India could face a national catastrophe, stressing the urgency for action in resolving the waste management crisis and reducing the environmental and health risks associated with landfill fires.



New Delhi: Landfill fire unleashes toxic cloud

One of India's largest mountains of rubbish is on fire. The landfill is the size of 40 football fields and is 65 metres tall. It caught fire on Sunday as temperatures soared. Authorities say the blaze is now under control but residents in densely populated areas of New Delhi are concerned about its toxic cloud of smoke. Our eyes are burning and none of us are able to step out of our houses. The condition is so bad that children end up crying. This isn't the first time a landfill has caught fire during a heatwave and the thick layer of smoke is causing breathing problems. We used 10 to 12 extinguishers and the situation is now under control. The smoke issue will also be resolved soon. The landfill reached capacity in 2002, yet waste has continued to pile up, polluting the air and putting people's lives in danger. Authorities are under mounting pressure to find a permanent solution to India's waste problems. The landfills produce gas which induces fire. Any kind of wet metal or wet waste which has been suppressed for too long has the potential to generate heat, which in turn leads to fuming gas that causes fire to break out. The ruling Bahatiya Janata Party is distancing itself from the crisis, blaming the state's leader who is currently in jail. Indian cities dump more than 60 million tonnes of waste each year. Environmentalists warn of a national catastrophe if the situation remains unresolved.

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