Smoke billows for 5th day from Gurugram waste site after major fire

Smoke Lingers for Fifth Consecutive Day After Gurugram Waste Site Fire

Smoke billows for 5th day – A significant fire at the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram’s (MCG) secondary collection point in Sector 37C has led to persistent smoke for five days, according to local reports. The blaze, which began on June 4, continues to affect the surrounding area, raising concerns among nearby residents.

Firefighters Respond Quickly to Initial Call

The fire department was alerted to the emergency around 6:30 am and initiated action within 15 to 20 minutes. Over 200 fire tenders were deployed to manage the situation, indicating the scale of the operation.

Health Fears Amid Proximity to School

Residents have voiced worries about the health implications, noting that a government school lies just 500 meters from the site. With the school closed for summer vacation, the lack of immediate evacuation has heightened anxiety over prolonged exposure to polluted air.

“This is not natural. It is a man-made incident and we have to suffer because of it,” said a parent, describing the difficulty their daughter—suffering from asthma—faced breathing due to the thick smoke.

Complex Firefighting Challenges

Fire officials highlighted that smoke emissions from the waste continued to hinder operations. Methane gas released during combustion made it hard to fully extinguish the fire, while the sheer volume of garbage slowed progress. The MCG deployed JCB machines to clear debris and establish access routes, enabling fire tenders to reach critical areas.

“The site has been cleared now and regular transportation will be done,” stated Sandeep Kumar, a senior sanitation inspector with the MCG, adding that three anti-smog guns and round-the-clock monitoring teams were also stationed at the location.

Environmentalist Highlights Larger Implications

Ruchika Sethi, an environmentalist and founder of Citizens For Clean Air, emphasized the broader environmental impact. “The smoke from industrial and plastic waste includes harmful gases, black carbon, and dioxins. This event reflects a major environmental crisis with long-term effects on air quality and waste management systems,” she explained.

History of Waste-Fueled Disasters

Local authorities have previously faced similar incidents. In April 2026, a major fire erupted at the Bandhwari landfill, while Sector 47 saw another large dump blaze in March of the same year. Recurring smoldering issues near the Sector 12 bus stand further illustrate the ongoing challenges with waste management in the region.