Delhi sees a surge in garbage fires, exacerbating air pollution. The fire department received over 720 calls in March, compared to just 380 last year.
Delhi News: Delhi's air quality has once again deteriorated significantly, largely due to a rising number of garbage fires. According to the Delhi Fire Department, over 720 calls were received in March 2025 solely for garbage fires, compared to 380 in 2024. This increase not only worsens air pollution but also poses heightened health risks, particularly for the elderly and children.
Toxic Air from Fires: Significant Impact on Delhi Pollution
The fire department reports that smoke from burning garbage directly enters the respiratory system, increasing the risk of diseases such as asthma, allergies, and heart problems. This significantly exacerbates pollution levels, especially during the smog season.
Increased Numbers: Sharp Rise in the First Three Months of 2025
January 2025: 147 calls related to garbage burning
February 2025: 272 calls
March 2025: 720 calls (record high)
Up to April 3rd: 125 calls
The overall number of fire department calls also increased – 2951 calls were registered in March 2025, approximately 500 more than last year.
Fire Department's Enhanced Preparedness
Sanjay Kumar Tomar, Deputy Director of the Delhi Fire Department, stated that additional fire teams have been deployed in response to the rising number of incidents. In most cases, fires were controlled at an early stage, preventing larger incidents.
Impact on Health and Climate
Experts warn that the continuous burning of garbage not only deteriorates the Air Quality Index (AQI) but also contributes to global warming. In densely populated cities like Delhi, this can escalate into a major public health crisis.
