New Delhi Suffocates as Toxic Smoke from Landfill Fire Engulfs the City

New Delhi is engulfed in hazardous fumes as a massive fire erupts at the Ghazipur landfill, exacerbating the city's chronic air pollution crisis. The blaze, which started on Sunday, releases dangerous heat and methane emissions, contributing to India's mounting climate challenges. Despite efforts to contain it, residents continue to suffer from throat and eye irritation due to the harming acrid air.

Landfill fires, often ignited by combustible gases from decomposing waste, are a recurring problem exacerbated by soaring temperatures during Delhi's scorching summers. India's extensive landfill network, including the towering Ghazipur site, emits substantial amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas exacerbating the climate crisis.

The Ghazipur landfill, standing at 65 meters tall, symbolizes India's struggle with waste management, with thousands of landfills across the country emitting hazardous gases and contaminating water supplies. Efforts to address the issue, such as drone monitoring and methane extraction, have been hindered by the overwhelming influx of trash exceeding the sites' capacities.

Despite initiatives like Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Clean India" campaign, landfills persist and methane emissions remain high. India's stance on the Global Methane Pledge is influenced by its agricultural methane output, hindering its commitment to global emission reduction targets. Yet, addressing this issue is crucial for mitigating climate change impacts.