India’s Capital Choked on Toxic Fumes from Landfill Blaze
NEW DELHI — The heart of India’s capital, New Delhi, found itself enveloped in a cloud of toxic fumes as a massive fire erupted at the Ghazipur landfill. The acrid haze, a result of the towering trash dump going up in flames, added to the city’s ongoing struggle with landfill blazes that have plagued authorities for years.
Sections of the Ghazipur landfill ignited on Sunday, spewing heat and methane emissions into the air. The blaze, which posed a significant threat to the environment, was finally extinguished by Tuesday. However, residents in the vicinity reported experiencing throat and eye irritation due to the lingering noxious air.
The cause of the fire remains a mystery, as landfill fires are usually sparked by combustible gases released from decomposing waste. Every year, as New Delhi experiences scorching temperatures, its landfills become susceptible to spontaneous combustion, further contributing to India’s escalating climate crisis.
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is a major concern emanating from landfill sites. India leads in methane production from landfills globally, emitting more of this harmful gas than any other country. The towering trash mountain at Ghazipur, standing at 65 meters (213 feet), looms over the landscape like a modern-day monolith, emitting hazardous gases and posing health risks to nearby residents.
Exposure to methane can exacerbate respiratory conditions, trigger asthma attacks, and increase the likelihood of strokes. Additionally, landfills like Ghazipur have caused toxins to seep into the ground, contaminating water sources and jeopardizing the health of thousands of individuals living in close proximity.
Efforts to tackle the waste crisis at Ghazipur have been slow and ineffective. Despite initiatives like deploying drones for monitoring and exploring methane extraction techniques, authorities have struggled to manage the influx of trash at the overflowing site.
While the Indian government has proposed solutions to the waste problem, such as formalizing the recycling sector and establishing more compost plants, the challenges persist. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Clean India” campaign aims to transform garbage mountains into green spaces, offering hope for a cleaner, healthier environment.
However, India’s reluctance to join global initiatives like the Global Methane Pledge, citing majority of its methane emissions from farming rather than landfills, raises concerns about the country’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As the world strives to combat climate change, addressing the methane crisis is crucial in achieving a sustainable future.
