A thick, toxic plume of smoke from a fire at the legacy waste dumping ground in Phase 8-B, Industrial Area, Mohali, has raised serious health alarms among local residents. The fumes have been entering homes, leading to reports of breathing difficulties and other respiratory issues.
Immediate Response by Municipal Corporation
The municipal corporation has suspended all waste processing at the site and deployed water sprinklers to bring the blaze under control. Officials are also working on installing a borewell to ensure a steady water supply for firefighting operations. Additionally, they are evaluating the feasibility of setting up small processing machines at resource management centres (RMCs) to prevent future incidents.
Health Complaints from Affected Residents
Residents have reported a range of health problems, including choking sensations, foul smells, and eye or throat irritation. Renu Sharma, a resident of a nearby housing society, noted that the smoke reaches even the upper floors. "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, mentioned that the smoke settles on clothes and inside homes, leaving a persistent unpleasant odour.
Recurring Fires in Phase 5 and Shahi Majra
Similar concerns have been voiced by residents near the Phase 5 RMC plant. A delegation comprising social worker Gurkirpal Singh Sidhu and former councillors Kuldeep Kaur Kang and Ashok Jha met MC commissioner Sundeep Singh to highlight the recurring fires near the site. Residents of Phase 5 and Shahi Majra reported that frequent fires near the vegetable market severely affect air quality, making the elderly and children particularly vulnerable. The fire has also impeded ongoing work to clear legacy waste.
MC Commissioner's Statement
MC commissioner Sundeep Singh stated, "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." He also noted that dumping of waste at the site was halted following high court orders, but the lack of an alternative site has led to overflowing RMC points and garbage accumulation across the city. The commissioner urged residents and bulk waste generators to ensure strict segregation of wet and dry waste at the source.
