Garbage fire chokes Mohali, residents blame MC for inaction

A large swathe of garbage dump in Sector 80 and Mauli Baidwan remained ablaze throughout the day, emitting toxic smoke in Mohali today.

Despite complaints from residents about air pollution and breathing problems caused by the smoke, neither Municipal Corporation (MC) officials nor Fire Department personnel attempted to douse the flames till late afternoon.

Residents of Mauli Baidwan, Sector 80, Sector 66 and Sector 67 alleged that the garbage dump had been “deliberately” set on fire. Motorists on Airport Road also reported visibility problems due to thick smoke when the fire broke out in the morning. The fire continued to smoulder till late in the afternoon, reaching up to a bridge on the road, causing panic among locals and commuters.

Sector 66 Councillor Charan Singh said, “Garbage is being dumped near the ‘choe’ illegally for past sometime. Despite informing MC officials, no action has been taken.”

Mauli village Sarpanch Gursewak Singh added, “The fire erupted late at night and it could have caused lot of damage. The garbage dump has made life of residents hell here.”

Later in the day, fire tenders were finally deployed to control the blaze. Mohali Mayor Amarjit Singh Sidhu also visited the site.