Fire breaks out at garbage heap in Puri, residents struggle with smoke

A major fire broke out on Friday evening at a garbage heap in Goudabada Sahi in Puri district of Odisha, causing panic among nearby residents.

The blaze, which started around sunset, spread rapidly during the night, accompanied by thick smoke that engulfed the surrounding area. People living close to the site struggled to cope with the smoke and the growing fire.

Fire department rushed to the spot

The Puri fire brigade rushed to the scene and managed to control the fire late at night. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, although residents faced immense discomfort due to the smoke and chaos. The fire reportedly started near the city corporation’s garbage collection depot in Goudabada Sahi, where a large accumulation of waste had turned into a mound-like heap.

City officials confirmed that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had, long ago, issued directives for relocating the garbage heap site outside the city to prevent such hazards. However, the orders have not been implemented, leaving the area vulnerable to incidents like the recent fire.

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The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for proper waste management and compliance with safety regulations in Puri. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and promised stricter monitoring to prevent similar accidents in the future.