MCD directed not to dump organic waste at landfill sites

In a bid to prevent fires at dumpsites and the subsequent deterioration of air quality in the national capital, Delhi’s pollution control body has directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to ensure that organic waste from slaughterhouses and fish markets do not end up in the landfill sites.

It has also asked the MCD to ensure that industrial as well as electronic waste, including lithium batteries, is not dumped at the landfill sites.

The organic waste dumped in a landfill produces methane when it rots and in hot weather conditions, it catches fire spontaneously. The blaze spreads as methane feeds on combustible material like textiles and plastics.

Delhi reported five massive fires at its landfill sites this year — three at Ghazipur and two at Bhalswa. The fire that broke out at Bhalswa on April 26 kept on raging for more than 10 days, exacerbating the already polluted air in nearby areas.

In an order issued on June 10, the pollution control body has asked the MCD to install methane gas detectors (on downwind side) at the dumpsites so that areas with high methane concentration can be identified and preventive action be undertaken.

The order read: “Further temperature at windrows to be monitored with noncontact infrared thermometer (as used for monitoring human body temperature under Covid circumstances) and records be maintained for any major deviations. The temperature is to be in the range of 35 degrees Celsius to 59 degrees Celsius. Treated leachate/water to be sprayed on the waste when rise in temperature is observed.”