CAQM Directs NCR Agencies to Tackle Landfill Fires, Enforce Strict Zero-Tolerance for MSW Burning

04 Jun 2025

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on Tuesday instructed the Delhi-NCR state governments to conduct a fire-risk assessment of sanitary landfills and dumping sites after properly identifying, categorising, and demarcating waste. The Commission also urged the adoption of preventive measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras and methane gas detectors, to mitigate the risk of future landfill fires. Such incidents could lead to a surge in particulate matter and release harmful gases like NO?, SO?, and CO, as well as dioxins and furans.

The Pollution Control Body has also directed agencies to undertake comprehensive biomining or bioremediation at landfills to address legacy waste, in accordance with the timelines earlier submitted to the Supreme Court.

"Ensure proper storage of sand or chemical fire extinguishing agents for immediate use when a fire is detected, along with dedicated fire tenders and other fire safety measures, especially during the summer season, which is more susceptible to SLF and dump site fires," said the CAQM, emphasising the need for periodic mock drills to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

The CAQM emphasised that municipal solid waste must be collected, segregated, and processed in strict compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. Additionally, it directed states to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards the open burning of waste.

The CAQM issued a directive to districts outside the NCR, requiring brick kilns to co-fire paddy straw-based pellets. The directive sets a deadline for achieving 50% co-firing by November 1, 2028, with interim targets of 20% co-firing by November 1, 2025, and 30% by November 1, 2026. The initiative seeks to power these facilities through sustainable sources, reducing dependence on thermal plants.

"The Punjab and Haryana state governments have been directed to implement necessary measures to enforce the requirement for using paddy straw-based biomass pellets or briquettes in brick kilns situated in non-NCR regions," the CAQM said in a statement. It also mentioned that updates on actions taken in response to these directives will be provided to the commission on a monthly basis.