Ghazipur landfill fire: Annual choking hazard for Delhi

A massive fire broke out at the Ghazipur landfill early evening on April 21, 2024. The dumpsite in East Delhi catches fire every summer and this is the first blaze of the year. Gases produced by the giant heaps of waste started the fire and fuelled it. All photographs by Vikas Choudhary / CSE

As many as eight fire tenders were deployed but failed to douse the flame completely even after 15 hours, according to news reports. On Monday morning, plumes of toxic smoke was seen billowing out of the garbage dump and filling the neighbouring areas.

People living in nearby localities such as Rajveer Colony, parts of Khora Colony, Ghazipur dairy farm and the Ghazipur fish and chicken market complained of throat irritation, breathing difficulty and burning sensation in their eyes because of the smoke. Some were also unable to send their children to school, according to news reports.

The incident quickly turned political as the Bharatiya Janata Party accused the Aam Aadmi Party-led state government and the municipal corporation of Delhi of carelessness and inaction. The corportation, however, claimed that their officials were taking necessary steps to contain the fire and bring the situation back to normal.

Officers of the Ghazipur police station informed the press that an FIR has been registered against unknown persons under sections 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 278 (making atmosphere noxious to health) of the Indian Penal Code and a probe launched.