CAQM directs NCR agencies to eliminate landfill fires, enforce zero-tolerance for MSW burning

New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas (
CAQM
) has issued comprehensive directions under Section 12 of the CAQM Act, 2021, to control fire incidents at sanitary landfill (SLF) sites and prevent the open burning of
municipal solid waste (MSW)
and biomass across
Delhi-NCR
.
Through Direction No. 91, CAQM has mandated all concerned agencies to implement targeted actions in two broad categories—management of legacy waste at SLFs/dumpsites and prevention of fresh MSW/biomass burning—to reduce emissions of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and harmful pollutants including NO₂, SO₂, CO, dioxins, and furans.
For fire prevention at legacy waste sites, CAQM has directed identification, categorization, demarcation and risk assessment of SLFs and dumpsites. Extensive bio-mining and bio-remediation activities must be conducted to liquidate legacy waste within the timeframes submitted to the Supreme Court. The governments of NCT Delhi and other NCR states are required to review their time-bound action plans.
Mandatory measures include installation of CCTV cameras, fencing of SLFs, deployment of methane gas detectors to identify areas with high gas concentrations, and regular monitoring of windrow temperatures using infrared thermometers. Deviations from the 35°C to 59°C range must be recorded.
Patrolling during night hours, mock fire drills, quarterly fire safety audits, and maintenance of adequate firefighting infrastructure including water tankers, earthmovers, and chemical extinguishing materials have also been mandated. Agencies must provide safety gear and conduct training for workers at SLFs and dumpsites.
For the management of freshly generated MSW, the Commission has asked agencies to ensure proper collection, segregation, transport, and processing of waste as per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. Surveillance must be intensified at vulnerable sites, especially during night hours and the winter season. The Commission has directed zero tolerance towards
open waste burning
at all stages including collection, transit, and intermediate storage.
Regular patrolling by enforcement teams, improved processing of horticultural waste by urban local bodies, and intensified waste collection during autumn have been prescribed. Public awareness efforts are to be conducted via RWAs, industry and shopkeepers' associations. Capacity-building programmes for sanitation staff are to be institutionalized.
CAQM stated that these directives are in addition to existing orders from the courts, MoEF&CC, and CPCB. All statutory bodies dealing with waste management must comply with the Commission's directions.
State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) have been directed to submit a consolidated quarterly statewide report to the Commission on efforts taken to control SLF fires and prevent open burning of MSW and biomass.
The Commission warned that non-compliance would attract penal action under Clause 14 of the CAQM Act, 2021.

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