Fire Breaks Out at Delhi Landfill, Toxic Smoke Engulfs Surrounding Areas

A fire erupted at the Gazipur landfill site in Delhi on Sunday evening and continues to rage, emitting toxic gases, causing breathing difficulties for nearby residents. The blaze was so intense that the smoke clouded the sky. Residents of not only Delhi but also those in neighboring Noida and Ghaziabad are facing significant challenges due to the toxic fumes. Political debates have sparked over the incident, with the BJP blaming the Delhi government for the mishap.

Efforts to extinguish the fire have been ongoing, with over 30 fire engines deployed at the landfill site. Despite continuous efforts throughout the night, the fire has not been completely contained, and it continues to flare up in several areas.

It is worth mentioning that Delhi witnesses similar incidents annually during the summer when temperatures soar above 40 degrees Celsius, leading to fires at landfill sites and the release of toxic gases. The Delhi Fire Service received information about the fire at 5:22 PM, following which two fire engines were deployed to extinguish the flames. Local police have been informed about the situation.

Waste management in Delhi falls under the jurisdiction of the municipal corporation. A senior officer from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) stated that efforts are being made to control the fire. Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party's Deputy Mayor, Ali Mohammad Ikbal, visited the site and directed officials to tackle the fire promptly. The incident is attributed to the dry weather and heat.

In the 2022 MCD elections, the Aam Aadmi Party pledged to eliminate all three landfill sites in Delhi. After winning the elections, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal visited the Gazipur landfill site with party members. However, with Kejriwal currently in jail and municipal elections underway, the BJP is intensifying its criticism of the fire at the landfill site.