• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Delhi Ghazipur Landfill Fire Latest Update: Smoke continues to rise from the Ghazipur landfill site in Delhi, leaving the locals gasping for breath and triggering a political blame game with the BJP accusing the AAP-led MCD of "criminal negligence". Taking prompt action, the Delhi government has called for an inquiry into the incident and directed its environment department to submit a comprehensive report. LG Vinay Kumar Saxena has also taken cognizance of the fire at the Ghazipur landfill site, asking the Municipal Corporation Commissioner to provide a detailed report on the causes of the fire and preventive measures. 

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) said 90 per cent of the fire has been extinguished and around 40-50 small isolated flames remain in the 3,000 sqm area which saw the fire. The two-pronged approach has been adopted to extinguish the fire, the civic body said. However, locals express distress over the persistent smoke, citing difficulties in breathing and its impact on daily life, while criticising authorities for inadequate action.

ALSO READ: Arvind Kejriwal Administered Insulin In Tihar Jail After Spike In Sugar Levels: AAP

The case has been registered under Indian Penal Code sections 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 278 (making atmosphere noxious to health) at Ghazipur police station and a probe has begun.

BJP Blams Delhi MCD 

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva alleged that the Delhi MCD is responsible for the fire even as Oberoi, who visited the site, said this is not the time for politics. Arvinder Singh Lovely, Delhi Congress chief, also underlined the need to cast aside petty politics and said all stakeholders should join hands to douse the landfill fire as it has been causing serious air pollution and health problems for the people.

Smoke and flames continue to billow out of the Ghazipur landfill site that caught fire on Monday. The fire was caused due to the gas produced in the landfill. (Image credit: ANI)

Gopal Rai Seeks Report

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai directed the principal secretary, of environment and forests, to submit a report within 48 hours. The authorities have also been asked to ensure that the report covers all aspects related to the cause of the fire and the immediate steps taken by various agencies. It also sought details of the department's action plan to prevent such incidents at all landfill sites in Delhi during the summer.

In 2022, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal promised to clear the landfill site by December 31, 2023. In 2019, the Ghazipur landfill's height was 65 metres, only eight metres less than the Qutub Minar. In 2017, a portion of the garbage at the dumping yard fell on an adjacent road, killing two people. Several fire incidents were reported at the Ghazipur landfill in 2022, one of which, on March 28, took more than 50 hours to be doused.

(With PTI Inputs)