India's capital, New Delhi, faced a hazardous situation as a fire broke out at the Ghazipur landfill, emitting toxic fumes and causing health concerns for nearby residents. The blaze, which started on Sunday, led to the release of methane gas and dangerous heat, exacerbating India's climate issues.
Landfill fires are a recurring problem in New Delhi, especially during the scorching summers when temperatures soar. The decomposition of waste material in landfills generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to the climate crisis.
According to GHGSat, India is the leading producer of methane from landfill sites globally. The Ghazipur landfill, standing at 65 meters tall, is just one of the 3,000 overflowing landfills in India emitting hazardous gases and posing health risks to residents.
Exposure to methane can worsen lung diseases, trigger asthma, and increase the likelihood of strokes, as highlighted by the Global Clean Air Initiative. Additionally, toxins from landfills have contaminated the groundwater in nearby areas, posing further health hazards.
Efforts to address the landfill issue include deploying drones for monitoring, experimenting with methane extraction, and implementing bio-mining techniques. However, the authorities are struggling to manage the massive influx of waste, with the Ghazipur landfill surpassing its capacity back in 2002.
The Indian government has outlined solutions to the waste problem, such as formalizing the recycling sector and establishing more compost plants. Despite some improvements in waste management practices, the landfills in India continue to grow, posing ongoing challenges.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Clean India' initiative aims to convert garbage mountains into green zones, offering relief to communities living near dump sites. While India seeks to reduce methane emissions, it has not joined the Global Methane Pledge, citing that a significant portion of its methane output comes from farming activities.
Joining the pledge could help India and other nations collectively reduce global emissions and limit temperature rise, aligning with the goal of keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius. As India grapples with its waste management and climate challenges, concerted efforts are needed to mitigate the impact of landfills on public health and the environment.
