Smoke lingers over Delhi as Ghazipur landfill catches fire again
On Sunday evening, two fires erupted at the Ghazipur landfill in eastern Delhi, India. Several hours into Monday, dense smoke was still billowing from the site.
Apr 21, 2024 | updated: 3:37 PM EDT, April 22, 2024
The initial blaze was reported on Sunday. To ensure safety, police cordoned off the vicinity, preventing access to the landfill. Despite continuous efforts throughout the night, officials reported that the fire could not be quelled.
Atul Garg, the head of Delhi's fire department, shared that the fire continues, with multiple firefighting teams deployed on-site.
City officials have pinpointed drought and heatwaves as potential causes for the fire. However, according to the fire department, the blaze was likely ignited by gases produced within the landfill. By Monday evening, efforts have subdued 90 percent of the active flames, indicating major progress in combatting the fire.
Residents voice their concerns
Nearby inhabitants have reported experiencing throat irritation and respiratory issues from the smoke.
Another resident complained that the administration did not take any action in response to the fire. He has difficulty breathing because of the smoke from the fire and cannot talk because of the pollution. The fire is ongoing. The administration has done nothing. The residents want the government to solve the problem.
Last year, the Ghazipur garbage landfill was the site of three fire incidents, one of which took over 50 hours to extinguish in March.
