Raging dumpsite fire leave residents struggling to breathe

Mohali: Thick, toxic smoke emanating from a fire at the legacy waste dumping ground at Phase 8-B, Industrial Area has triggered serious health concerns among residents. As fumes enter homes, people living in the vicinity have reported breathing difficulties.The municipal corporation has halted waste processing at the site and deployed water sprinklers to control the blaze. Officials are also working on installing a borewell to draw water for firefighting efforts. They are exploring the feasibility of installing small processing machines at resource management centres (RMCs).Health complaints raised by residents have added to the urgency of efforts. Complaints include choking sensation, foul smell and irritation. Renu Sharma, resident of a housing society nearby, said the smoke reaches upper floors too. "We live on the sixth floor and have elderly parents at home. The smoke is toxic and causes breathing issues, forcing us to seek medical help," she said. Another resident, Asha Gupta, said the smoke settles in homes and clothes, leaving a persistent foul odour.Similar concerns were raised by residents near the Phase 5 RMC plant. A delegation comprising social worker Gurkirpal Singh Sidhu besides former councillors Kuldeep Kaur Kang and Ashok Jha met MC commissioner Sundeep Singh, highlighting recurring fires near the site. Residents of Phase 5 and Shahi Majra reported that frequent fires near the vegetable market severely affected air quality, leaving the elderly and children vulnerable. In addition to causing public inconvenience, the fire has hindered legacy waste clearing work. MC commissioner Sundeep Singh said, "We are making efforts to eliminate legacy waste. It was gas emissions that led to the fire. About 95% of the waste has been processed, and work will resume once the fire is controlled."Choked RMC points Dumping of waste at the site was stopped following high court orders, but lack of an alternative site led to overflowing RMC points (resource management centres or garbage collection spots) and garbage accumulation across the city The MC commissioner urged residents and bulk waste generators to ensure strict segregation of wet and dry waste at source MSID:: 130497645 413 |
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