India issues fire prevention directive for landfill and waste sites
Iain Hoey
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Fire directive targets open burning and landfill risk
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.
Landfill fire prevention and legacy waste management
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.
New obligations for fresh waste handling
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.
Quarterly reports and enforcement
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.
India issues fire prevention directive for landfill and waste sites: Summary
The Commission for Air Quality Management has issued Direction No. 91 under the CAQM Act, 2021.
The direction addresses fire incidents at landfill sites and the open burning of municipal waste and biomass in Delhi-NCR.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change confirmed the order on 4 June 2025.
The order applies to agencies operating within the National Capital Region and adjoining areas.
Measures include waste segregation, landfill temperature checks and CCTV surveillance.
Agencies must install gas detectors and conduct fire safety audits quarterly.
Open waste burning at collection and transit points is now banned.
Urban Local Bodies are instructed to expand waste handling capacity.
Public awareness campaigns must be conducted to reduce open burning.
Quarterly reports must be submitted to the Commission in a prescribed format.
Non-compliance may result in penalties under Clause 14 of the CAQM Act.
The directions supplement existing rules issued by the courts and CPCB.
The Ministry stated that the new measures are mandatory for all relevant agencies.