The Delhi Fire Service is fighting a relentless battle against a surge in incidents of open garbage burning, a dangerous practice that officials confirm is significantly worsening the capital's already toxic air quality. The department has been inundated with calls from across the city, highlighting a pervasive public hazard that turns waste piles into toxic smoke clouds.
A Steady Stream of Smoke and Flames
According to official data, the fire department received a staggering 3,598 complaints related to garbage burning up to November 9 this year. This translates to an alarming average of 11 emergency calls every single day. Fire officials explain that these incidents often start when residents carelessly dispose of hot ashes from kitchens or lit cigarette and bidi ends into dry waste piles, which easily catch fire. In many other instances, garbage is intentionally set ablaze as a quick, though illegal, method to clear spaces.
The situation becomes rapidly dangerous due to the presence of highly flammable materials like plastic and paper in the waste. "The number of fire tenders dispatched depends on the intensity of the situation," a fire department official stated. "Typically, two tenders are sent initially, and additional units are called in if needed."
Seasonal Peaks and Operational Hazards
The data reveals clear seasonal spikes. April recorded the highest number of calls at 1,030, followed by October with 641 incidents. In the current month, up to November 9 alone, 304 such calls were already logged. Beyond adding to pollution, these fires create direct dangers for responders.
"The thick smoke emitted from burning garbage is capable of disrupting rescue operations, making it challenging for emergency teams to navigate the site," the fire official emphasized. "Beyond this, the smoke contributes to air pollution and is highly dangerous for anyone inhaling it." Deputy Chief Fire Officer AK Malik reiterated that the department consistently runs awareness campaigns, urging residents to stop open burning to prevent both air pollution and fire hazards.
An Underestimated Major Polluter
Environmental experts stress that garbage burning is a serious, yet frequently overlooked, contributor to Delhi's polluted air. Sunil Dahiya, founder and lead analyst at the think tank EnviroCatalysts, noted, "Though waste burning looks like a small incident in isolation, the cumulative number across the airshed makes it a significant contributor to air pollution. It should be tackled with seriousness along with other important pollution sources such as transport, power, industries, and construction."
Another expert pointed out that the burning of garbage, wood, garden waste, and plastic is a primary pollution source during winter. The problem is compounded as homeless populations sometimes burn waste for warmth, and the use of unclean fuels for cooking adds to the toxic mix. The share of pollution from open burning is expected to rise as temperatures drop further in the coming weeks.
Authorities and experts unanimously advise citizens to adopt proper waste disposal practices. This simple step is crucial to prevent severe health risks, environmental damage, and the constant threat of accidental fires that strain emergency services and choke the city's air.
