Despite ongoing focus on stubble burning in neighboring states, Delhi continues to grapple with smaller, unchecked fires, particularly from garbage burning.
Data from the Delhi Fire Service reveals 4,933 garbage burning incidents were recorded this year until December 12—the highest since 2020 and a sharp rise from 3,511 incidents in 2023. May and November saw the most cases, with 839 and 828 incidents, respectively.
Night after night, illegal dumping sites across the capital become the source of toxic smoke as ragpickers burn heaps of waste after extracting valuables.
In Northeast Delhi’s Dayalpur, residents allege waste operators charge scavengers for access and accept garbage from neighboring areas. What remains is set ablaze under cover of darkness.
“We already live in one of the world’s most polluted cities, and this makes it unbearable,” said resident Puneet Panchal, adding that repeated complaints to authorities have yielded no results.
Delhi Fire Services Director Atul Garg stated, “Our role begins once we receive a call to extinguish the fire. Why these fires start is not within our purview.” However, the impact of these fires is evident.
Burning waste emits harmful pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds, contributing 2–3% to Delhi’s pollution load according to past studies.
Localized pollution spikes from such fires pose severe health risks, particularly for children and the elderly, exacerbating respiratory, cardiovascular, and cognitive issues.
Dayalpur residents report escalating health problems since moving to the area, with many considering relocation but struggling to sell their homes.
Complaints lodged with authorities and through the MCD 311 app are often marked resolved without action.
Frustrated, residents have begun confronting dump yard workers themselves. “We’re fighting to maintain even a basic level of livability,” one resident remarked.
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