This Video Does Not Depict a Recent Fire That Occurred at the Ghazipur Landfill
The Claim
In Delhi, 27 million people, the Ghazipur landfill, which is considered the largest in India, and possibly in the world, is on fire.
Emerging story
Recently, social media users have been circulating a video allegedly depicting the recent fire at the Ghazipur landfill in New Delhi, India.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating claim and found it to be misleading. The video originates from the 2022 Ghazipur landfill fire in New Delhi, not from the recent fire incident.
The Ghazipur Landfill in New Delhi Experiences Recurring Fires
On April 21, a massive fire erupted at the Ghazipur landfill in New Delhi, swiftly engulfing multiple areas of the site. Eight service teams were dispatched to extinguish the flames. Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire was ignited by methane gas emissions from the garbage, reacting with the air. Officials cautioned about rising temperatures and anticipated a surge in fire incidents in the days ahead.
The New Delhi Municipal Corporation has reported that 90% of the fire has been extinguished, but approximately 40 to 50 small isolated flames remain in the area, covering an area of 3,000 square meters. The toxic smoke from the fire has led to health issues and respiratory difficulties for local residents.
It is worth noting that recurrent fires have occurred at the same site several times, including three times in 2022, with extinguishing efforts taking over 50 hours each time.
The Ghazipur Landfill in New Delhi
The landfill is situated in the village of Ghazipur in the eastern area of New Delhi, India, with its establishment dating back to 1984. It stands as one of the largest waste disposal sites globally, spanning an area of approximately 70 acres (28 hectares) and rising to over 150 feet (46 meters). Despite reaching its maximum capacity in 2002, it continues to receive solid waste from the capital, New Delhi.
In India, there are garbage mounds, one of which reaches a height of 65 meters, as there is no waste disposal and treatment system in New Delhi other than dumping it in landfills.
A study conducted by the Center for Science and Environment in 2020 found that more than 3,000 mountainous landfills across India contain 800 million tons of garbage. It is estimated that the highest garbage mountain in the country, in Mumbai, reaches a height of 18 floors.
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