Another fire despite 1.8 cr fine & NEERI probe on BMC

Bhopal: Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) is facing ongoing challenges with managing waste at the Adampur Landfill landfill site, a relocated site for waste from Bhanpur Landfill. A significant amount of waste, estimated at eight lakh metric tons, was moved to Adampur landfill during the scientific closure of Bhanpur landfill.
The accumulated waste at the Adampur Landfill site has repeatedly caught fire. These fires pose a significant problem for the BMC, hindering proper waste disposal and leading to environmental concerns. The unmanaged waste is believed to be contaminating both groundwater and air quality in the surrounding area.
The repeated fires have resulted in a penalty of Rs 1.80 crores imposed on the BMC. Furthermore, the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to investigate the recurring incidents. Disposal of this garbage is not only the biggest challenge for the BMC but also the biggest headache.
Cleanliness Team Focuses on Landfill Amidst Garbage Free City Survey
According to reports, a team from Delhi is currently conducting a cleanliness survey to assess the Bhopal Municipal Corporation's claim of being a "Garbage Free City (GFC)."
This assessment coincides with a fire at the Adampur Landfill site, adding to the corporation's challenges.
BMC is reportedly attempting to minimize the survey team's awareness of the fire. However, this may prove difficult as the team is monitoring corporation-related news from various sources, including morning newspapers, electronic media, and digital platforms.
The survey focuses on verifying the GFC claim.
Adampur Landfill Fire Sparks Controversy As Activists Refute Reports
A fire at the Adampur landfill site is raising concerns about its cause and management. While methane gas emitted from the garbage is often cited as the reason, environmental activists dispute this explanation.
Activist Nitin Saxena claims the BMC has not properly disposed of garbage moved from Bhanpur to Adampur Landfill. He alleges the garbage is repeatedly burned to benefit the company contracted for disposal. Saxena states that the corporation believes "fire can dispose of garbage as fast as machines cannot, so fire is set again and again."
The fire rapidly spread, engulfing half the pit in approximately 30 minutes. The incident has generated discussion on social media, with some questioning whether the temperature alone could have ignited the fire.
Waste Dumpsite Fire Requires Extensive Response
A significant fire in a garbage pit in Adampur Landfill prompted a widespread response from the fire brigade. All but one fire engine from every fire station in the city were dispatched to the scene, according to reports.
According to BMC Fire Officer Saurabh Patel, the fire is now under control. However, strong winds are causing the fire to flare up intermittently, and smoke continues to emanate from the pit, spreading to nearby areas.