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Bandhwari Landfill Engulfed by Raging Summer Fire
16 Apr
Summary
- A massive fire broke out at the Bandhwari landfill on Wednesday.
- High temperatures and strong winds fueled the rapid spread of the blaze.
- The incident highlights ongoing concerns over waste management and safety.
A significant fire erupted at the Bandhwari landfill on Wednesday, engulfing mounds of untreated waste and generating toxic smoke. The blaze, which intensified by Thursday afternoon, necessitated a multi-agency response involving approximately ten fire tenders and assistance from Faridabad. Fire safety officials cited staff shortages and challenging terrain as hindrances to containing the fire, which spread rapidly due to high temperatures and strong winds.
This incident brings renewed attention to the Bandhwari landfill's persistent waste management issues, with over 17 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste remaining unprocessed. Despite recent contracts awarded for waste processing, only a small fraction has been cleared, fueling environmental concerns. Activists have criticized the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) for failing to enforce basic safety measures, including the promised 24/7 fire brigade presence at the site.
While officials stated a fire brigade had been stationed at the landfill for several days prior, the event underscores the recurring threat of fires at Bandhwari, particularly as the summer season begins. The slow pace of waste remediation and ongoing environmental risks remain critical issues for the region.
