India’s top air quality regulator has issued sweeping new directives to curb open burning of municipal solid waste, biomass and fire incidents at landfill sites in the National Capital Region, a major source of hazardous air pollution in and around New Delhi.
The Commission for Air Quality Management, in a directive dated June 3, stated that the measures aim to prevent the release of harmful particulate matter — specifically PM2.5 and PM10 — and toxic gases, including nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, dioxins and furans.
The order, issued under Section 12 of the CAQM Act, 2021, sets out mandatory fire risk management protocols and enforcement guidelines for local authorities and pollution control boards.
Tightened Rules for Landfill Safety
The directive mandates that all landfill and dumpsite operators in the Delhi-NCR region identify and assess fire risks, including the installation of methane gas detectors and CCTV surveillance systems.
Authorities must conduct bio-mining and bioremediation of legacy waste, a key source of landfill fires and ensure fire safety audits and regular mock drills.
Night patrols, fire-fighting infrastructure, and adequate protective equipment for workers have also been made compulsory.
Temperature at windrows — organized piles of decomposing waste — must be monitored using infrared thermometers to prevent combustion risks, CAQM said.
Zero Tolerance for Waste Burning
The commission has also imposed a strict ban on open burning of fresh municipal waste and biomass, particularly at vulnerable points such as intermediate dumps and during night hours.
Urban local bodies have been directed to improve waste segregation, collection, and processing in line with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
Increased patrolling, especially during the winter and autumn seasons, is to be carried out by enforcement teams to curb open burning.
Public awareness campaigns and capacity-building programs for sanitation staff are also part of the directive, along with strategies to manage horticultural waste year-round.
Quarterly Compliance Reports Required
State pollution control boards and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee are required to submit quarterly reports on fire incidents and waste burning prevention to the CAQM.
Non-compliance may attract penalties under Clause 14 of the CAQM Act, the commission warned.
The CAQM emphasized that these directions are in addition to existing orders from the Supreme Court, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Central Pollution Control Board.
“Uniform enforcement, improved risk preparedness, and enhanced accountability are essential to eliminate open waste burning and landfill fires in the region,” the commission said, urging all stakeholders, particularly urban local bodies and pollution control agencies, to ensure strict implementation of the new norms.
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