The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has reported that the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has issued new orders to reduce fire incidents at waste sites and cut air pollution. Under Direction No. 91, the Commission has directed agencies across Delhi-NCR to prevent fires caused by legacy and fresh municipal solid waste (MSW) and biomass.
These measures aim to address rising concentrations of particulate matter and harmful gases linked to open burning. The Commission’s directions are issued under Section 12 of the CAQM Act, 2021 and are intended to enhance fire safety at sanitary landfill (SLF) sites and dumpsites, with agencies instructed to take comprehensive fire mitigation actions. The Commission has ordered agencies to identify and assess fire risks at all SLF sites and dumps in the Delhi-NCR region.
This includes categorisation, boundary fencing, and the installation of CCTV systems and methane gas detectors. The Ministry reported that timelines for bio-remediation and legacy waste liquidation should align with submissions made to the Supreme Court. State governments and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) are expected to review and update action plans.
To prevent internal heat build-up, windrow temperatures must be monitored and logged.
Fire drills and audits must be conducted quarterly, with sites equipped with extinguishers, fire tenders, water tankers, earthmovers and sand. Agencies must now ensure that MSW is collected, processed and transported in line with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
According to the Ministry, there will be a zero-tolerance policy for open waste burning across transit and collection areas.
Surveillance will be increased in areas vulnerable to open burning, especially at night and in winter. Enforcement patrols will be expected to conduct regular checks. Urban Local Bodies have also been directed to expand capacity for handling horticultural waste throughout the year.
Public engagement is required to help prevent fires caused by unauthorised burning.
The Ministry stated that Residents Welfare Associations, industry bodies, shopkeepers’ groups and sanitation staff are all expected to play a part through awareness and participation efforts.
The Ministry confirmed that the Delhi Pollution Control Committee and State Pollution Control Boards must each provide a quarterly summary of compliance in a standardised format. These reports must detail actions taken to prevent fires and open burning.
The Ministry noted that these directions do not replace existing orders issued by the courts or other regulatory bodies, including the Central Pollution Control Board.
Non-compliance will be penalised under Clause 14 of the CAQM Act, 2021. The Commission is seeking to ensure uniform enforcement and greater accountability in fire prevention and risk control at waste sites.
