How can landfill fires worsen air pollution in Indian cities?

Landfill fires significantly exacerbate air pollution in Indian cities by releasing toxic gases and increasing local concentrations of fine particulate matter, known as PM${}_{2.5}$.1

In many Indian cities, inefficient municipal solid waste management leads to the accumulation of massive piles of refuse in poorly regulated landfills. These sites are prone to frequent and difficult-to-control fires, such as the 2016 incident at the Deonar landfill, which burned for four days. These fires pose a severe public health risk, as the resulting smoke and pollutants degrade air quality in surrounding areas.1

Beyond air pollution, these waste management challenges contribute to broader environmental and social issues, including groundwater contamination, the spread of vector-borne diseases, and disproportionate harm to low-income communities living near disposal sites. Addressing these risks requires improved waste processing, better enforcement of regulations, and enhanced municipal infrastructure.12