Govt constitutes committee to probe fire at landfill sites

Delhi government today constituted a three-member committee to probe the fire at the Ghazipur and Bhalswa landfill sites amid concerns that the toxic fumes may offset any gain from the odd-even car-rationing scheme.
Transport Minister Gopal Rai said the committee, which has one senior official each from transport, environment and Urban Development departments, has been asked to submit its report within three days to the government.
"In the wake of repeated fire at landfill sites in the last few days, we have constituted a three-member committee to investigate the fire at landfill sites. It will submit its reports within three days," Rai told reporters here.

The minister claimed that usually, no fire is reported at landfill sites every year, but during the ongoing second phase of odd-even scheme, fire is frequently being reported at these sites which is "unusual".
"This committee will probe if someone is behind this fire at the landfill sites or it takes place usually every year," Rai said, adding the local sub-divisional magistrates will also assist the fact-finding committee.
In February this year, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) had issued notices to municipal corporations for garbage burning at landfill sites.
East Delhi Municipal Corporation and North Delhi Municipal Corporation had been penalised by DPCC in February over fire at the landfill sites, which the corporations have refused to pay.

DPCC, in its notice to the MCDs, dated February 11, had slapped a fine of Rs 5,000 per day saying burning can occur only if there is an ignition initially provided "deliberately or negligently" by some one.