Toxic Fumes Engulf New Delhi as Trash Mountain Fire Rages On

Toxic fumes enveloped India's capital on Tuesday, stemming from a fire at a massive trash dump that has been a recurring issue for authorities. The Ghazipur landfill in New Delhi caught fire on Sunday, emitting heat and methane that contribute to the country's environmental concerns. Although the blaze was mostly extinguished by Tuesday, residents in the vicinity experienced discomfort from the lingering pungent air, leading to throat and eye irritation as reported by local media.

The cause of the fire remains unknown; landfill blazes are often triggered by combustible gases from disintegrating garbage.

Smoke rises on April 23, following a fire that broke out at the Ghazipur landfill in New Delhi, India.

Smoke rises on April 23, following a fire that broke out at the Ghazipur landfill in New Delhi, India.

Noemi Cassanelli/CNN

Fires burning at Ghazipur landfill site in New Delhi, India, April 22, 2024.

Fires burning at Ghazipur landfill site in New Delhi, India, April 22, 2024.

During Delhi's hot summers, the city's landfills catch fire due to the rising temperatures. The decomposing waste in these landfills contributes to India's methane gas emissions, which worsens the climate crisis.

Methane, the second most abundant greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide, is a more potent contributor to the climate crisis due to its ability to trap more heat. According to GHGSat, which monitors emissions via satellites, India produces more methane from landfill sites than any other country.

The trash mountain at Ghazipur is just one of approximately 3,000 landfills in India overflowing with decaying waste and emitting hazardous gases, as reported by the Center for Science and Environment, a nonprofit research agency in New Delhi. Standing at a height of 65 meters (213 feet), it is almost as tall as the historic Taj Mahal and is an eyesore that towers over nearby homes, negatively impacting residents' health.

Exposure to methane can aggravate lung diseases, cause asthma and increase the risk of stroke, according to the non-profit Global Clean Air Initiative.

Ghazipur landfill in New Delhi on April 23, following a fire that broke out.

Ghazipur landfill in New Delhi on April 23, following a fire that broke out.

Noemi Cassanelli/CNN

Methane emissions are not the only danger that comes from landfills. Over time, harmful toxins have leaked into the ground, contaminating the water source for many people living close by.

In Bhalswa, another major landfill in Delhi, residents reported experiencing severe skin rashes and breathing problems in 2022 after years of living near the toxic landfill.

Struggle to find solutions

More than 2,300 metric tons of solid waste arrives at the Ghazipur dump every day, according to a July 2022 report by a committee tasked with reducing fires there.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi uses drones every three months to check the size of the garbage pile and is trying different methods to collect methane from it. However, officials are finding it hard to manage the increasing amount of trash at the location, as it exceeded its limit in 2002.

Cattle are seen near Ghazipur landfill on April 23, 2024.

Cattle are seen near Ghazipur landfill on April 23, 2024.

The committee mentioned that the process of bio-mining to extract methane has been progressing slowly. They also expressed doubt that local authorities would be able to meet their goal of "flattening the garbage mountain" by the end of the year.

Solutions to India's waste problem were highlighted in a 2019 government report. It suggested formalizing the recycling sector and increasing the number of compost plants. Despite some improvements such as better garbage collection and waste processing, India's landfills are still expanding.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Clean India" initiative aims to tackle the issue by transforming garbage mountains into green spaces. This could not only alleviate the plight of those near massive dump sites but also contribute to global efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Firemen work to douse the fire at Ghazipur landfill on April 22, 2024 in New Delhi, India.

Firemen work to douse the fire at Ghazipur landfill on April 22, 2024 in New Delhi, India.

India is aiming to reduce its methane emissions, but it has not yet joined the Global Methane Pledge. This agreement includes 155 countries committed to reducing global emissions by at least 30% from 2020 levels by 2030. Scientists believe that this reduction could lower global temperature rise by 0.2% and support the goal of limiting global warming to under 1.5 degrees Celsius.

India has said it won’t join because most of its methane emissions come from farming – some 74% from farm animals and paddy fields versus less than 15% from landfill.

Editor's P/S:

The article paints a grim picture of the environmental crisis India faces, particularly in relation to its massive trash dumps. The Ghazipur landfill fire highlights the urgent need for comprehensive waste management solutions, as it has caused widespread air pollution, discomfort, and potential health hazards for nearby residents. The fact that landfill blazes are a recurring issue underscores the lack of effective measures to prevent and address these incidents.

The article also emphasizes the significant contribution of landfill methane emissions to India's greenhouse gas output, which exacerbates the global climate crisis. The government's "Clean India" initiative aims to transform garbage mountains into green spaces, but its implementation and impact remain to be seen. It is imperative for India to join the Global Methane Pledge and commit to reducing methane emissions, not only to address environmental concerns within the country but also to contribute to global efforts in combating climate change.