Delhi's Ghazipur Landfill Engulfed in Flames, Efforts to Douse Fire Continue; Residents Raise Concerns Over Health Impact

A massive fire broke out at the Ghazipur landfill site in Delhi on Sunday evening, and the fire continued to engulf the massive dumping ground in the national capital as of early Monday morning. Concerns were raised by residents regarding the potential health consequences of the fire, including breathing difficulties and ongoing pollution issues in the area. 

The fire at the Ghazipur landfill broke out around 6 pm on Sunday, 10 fire engines were rushed to the spot to douse the flames. Delhi Fire Service SO Naresh Kumar stated that the fire was caused by gas produced within the dumping ground. Efforts to douse the flames are currently underway, with fire tenders deployed at the site. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

Residents living near the landfill expressed concerns about the "toxic" gas emanating from the burning garbage dump, noting its potential impact on the elderly and children. Despite nearly 12 hours passing since the fire was first reported, efforts to contain the flames continue, with firefighters facing challenges due to the heat and dry weather conditions. MCD mayor Shelly Oberoi has reassured the public, stating that there is no cause for concern. She mentioned that senior officials are present at the site, overseeing operations, and assured that MCD excavators and fire tenders are working to bring the fire under control.

After the fire broke out, a political blame game between the Bharatiya Janata Party and Aam Aadmi Party ensued soon after. BJP criticized the Delhi government for failing to fulfill its promise to reduce the landfill site. The AAP also faced backlash for its handling of the situation. As per reports, ahead of the 2022 MCD elections, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had pledged to clear the Ghazipur landfill site. However, the BJP has accused him of failing to fulfill this promise, as the height of the landfill has reportedly increased since then.