As per initial reports, the fire broke out due to the presence of ‘toxic gases’ in the landfill. 12 hours after it broke out, the fire is yet to be doused.
The Ghazipur landfill fire continues to rage on, efforts are underway to control and douse it. The fire is situated at the landfill near the Delhi-Utar Pradesh border and broke out on Sunday evening. This landfill fire has also triggered a blame game between the BJP and Delhi’s AAP Government.
As per initial reports, the fire broke out due to the presence of ‘toxic gases’ in the landfill. 12 hours after it broke out, the fire is yet to be doused. As the Ghazipur fire rages on, Bharatiya Janta Party accused the AAP government of "criminal negligence".
Delhi Police have registered an FIR against unknown persons in the Ghazipur landfill fire case. As per PTI, a case has been registered under Section 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 278 (making atmosphere noxious to health) with the Ghazipur Police Station.
15 hours after the fire broke out, smoke continues to billow from the landfill site. However, since the fire broke out due to the production of toxic gases, the smoke in the air is considered to be "poisonous".
As smoke continues to rise from the Ghazipur landfill fire, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has written to the Principal Secretary from the Environment and Forest Department for a report on the fire. Rai was asked for detailed responses for the cause of the fire, similar instances in the past five years and action plan to prevent landfill fires from taking place.
The fire broke out at 6 PM on Sunday. Speaking to news agency ANI, Delhi Fire Service SO Naresh Kumar stated that the fire was caused due to gas produced in the dumping ground.
Residents near the landfill have complained of breathing issues and irritation in the throat due to the ongoing fire and toxic gases in the landfill.
As of now, no casualties due to the fire have been reported. As per the latest inputs, around 10 fire engines are present to try and douse the fire.
Following the fire, a political blame game started between the BJP and the AAP Government.
BJP Leader Kapil Mishra took to social media platform X and stated that the Ghazipur landfill fire is as "poisonous as Kejriwal's lies".
"A huge fire has broken out at Delhi's Ghazipur landfill. Toxic smoke is floating in the air. Fraud Arvind Kejriwal fought the MCD elections by showing the photo of this Ghazipur landfill. This smoke is as poisonous as Kejriwal's lies and is endless," stated Mishra.
The BJP further alleged that the jailed Delhi CM had promised to clear out this landfill by December 31, 2023. BJP also alleged that the height of the Ghazipur landfill has increased since 2019, when it was 65 metres tall, which is eight metres short of the Qutub Minar.
MCD Mayor Shelly Oberoi has stated that fire tenders and excavators are working on the spot to bring the fire under control and douse it.
(With inputs from PTI, ANI)