Nagpur Landfill Fire Sparks Health and Environmental Concerns Amid Heatwave

A massive fire erupted at the Bhandewadi dumping yard in Nagpur, Maharashtra, on April 19, 2025, intensifying the challenges posed by the ongoing heatwave. The blaze, visible from several kilometers away, has engulfed nearby residential areas in thick black smoke, triggering panic among residents and raising serious health and environmental concerns.  

 

The fire reportedly started around 1 pm, following a smaller blaze earlier in the day that was brought under control. However, the flames reignited with greater intensity, rapidly spreading across the landfill’s hilly terrain. Firefighters from 11 stations have been deployed to battle the inferno, but efforts have been hampered by the presence of highly flammable gases and uneven terrain.  

 

Residents of Tulsi Nagar, Suraj Nagar, and other nearby colonies have been severely affected, with many forced to evacuate their homes due to the toxic smoke. Complaints of breathing difficulties, dizziness, and skin infections have surged, highlighting the long-standing health risks associated with the landfill. Environmentalists have raised concerns over the absence of a mandatory buffer zone around the dumping yard, which has allowed residential areas to develop dangerously close to the site.  

 

The fire is believed to have been exacerbated by the excessive emission of methane gas from untreated waste, combined with extreme temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius. Landfill fires are a common occurrence in India during the summer months, but the scale of this incident has drawn attention to the urgent need for better waste management practices.  

 

Authorities are working to contain the blaze and prevent further damage to the surrounding areas. Meanwhile, residents and activists are calling for immediate action to address the environmental and health hazards posed by the Bhandewadi dumping yard.  

 

Source: Times of India, MSN News, Nagpur Today, The Star