Day after massive fire, Dadu Majra residents battle smoke

Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 22

Those near the Dadu Majra dumping ground have been living in a hell-like condition for the past two days.

The smoke emanating from the fire that broke out at the dumping ground on Sunday continued to trouble people today as well. Fire was doused this morning, but thick smoke blanketed the sky and also entered houses near the ground.

The smoke inconvenienced people in neighbouring areas — Dhanas, Sectors 25 and 38, Panjab University and even some parts of Sector 22.

“The smog caused irritation to my eyes and throat. Our masks and curtains are ruined as the smog entered our houses,” said Dadu Majra resident Dayal Krishan, president, Joint Action Committee for raising the dumping ground issues.

Many residents had a sleepless night. Irritated by the smoke, some of them came out on roads at night and even reached the dumping ground to know the status from officials concerned. They later protested against the UT Administration and local MP Kirron Kher.

“The Administration does not listen to people’s grievances. They are not bothered about our deteriorating health,” said Parshotham, a resident of the Dadu Majra colony.

“What did the MC spend Rs33 crore on? Even after spending so much, the situation has not improved,” added Ravi.

Dayal Krishan even suspected the fire was deliberately caused. “The matter should be probed. In the summer season, it is possible that fire breaks out just like that, but the same is not possible in the winter,” he added.

“This is the second fire incident in the past five months during the pandemic. The incident needs to be probed for any mischievous acts ahead of the Swachh Survekshan Survey,” commented Vinod Vashisht, convener of the City Forum of Residents Welfare Organisation.

A fire official said five fire tenders were pressed into service to control the smoke today. The reason of the fire could not be known.

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