Zero landfill fires recorded in Delhi in 2025: Economic Survey

The number of landfill fires in Delhi dropped to zero in 2025 from 159 in 2017, according to the Economic Survey 2025-26 tabled in the Delhi Assembly by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday.

The survey said a detailed protocol is now in place for controlling fires at landfill sites, leading to a sharp decline in such incidents over the years, with increased monitoring and action against burning of waste materials and garbage in the open.

To check such incidents, 622 dedicated patrolling teams were deployed during winter last year for the prevention of open burning of garbage. An anti-open burning drive was launched in coordination with stakeholder departments, it said.

Open burning of biomass and solid waste remains a significant contributor to air pollution in the national capital, particularly during winters, it said.

Citing directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in the matter of air pollution in Delhi, the survey noted that a fine of Rs 5,000 is imposed on any person found burning garbage, leaves, plastic, rubber, self-moulding compound or similar material in the open.

“The person who is found actually burning such material and/or responsible for abetting such burning would be liable to pay compensation… and would be liable to pay a sum of Rs 5,000 to be paid instantaneously,” it said, referring to the NGT’s order dated April 28, 2015.

The survey also highlighted progress in the remediation of legacy waste at Delhi’s three dumpsites — Bhalswa, Ghazipur and Okhla.

The total legacy waste at the three landfill sites stood at 280 lakh metric tonnes in 2019, of which 204.94 lakh metric tonnes had been bio-mined till November 16, 2025, it said.

The timeline for 100 per cent remediation of legacy waste is July 2026 for Okhla, December 2026 for Bhalswa and December 2027 for Ghazipur, it said.