Thick smoke, foul smell for 2 days from Central Warehouse disrupt life in Odisha

Normal life has been severely affected in Marshaghai area of Kendrapada district after thick smoke accompanied by a strong foul smell has been continuously emanating from the Masakani Central Warehouse for the past two days, sources said on Friday.

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The situation has triggered panic and discomfort among local residents.

According to local sources, the persistent smoke has made it difficult to breathe, with many complaining of a burning sensation in the eyes and nose. The intensity of the smell and smoke has left people distressed, forcing them to step out and protest in front of the warehouse premises.

While the exact cause of the fire inside the godown remains unclear, sources said smoke has been billowing out from the storage facility for nearly 48 hours. On being informed, fire services personnel rushed to the spot and managed to bring the situation under control, though the smoke had not fully subsided.

Angered by the health impact and lack of clear communication, residents staged a protest demanding immediate action and transparency. However, departmental officials have not yet clarified how the fire broke out or what materials were affected inside the warehouse.

“Thick smoke has been billowing from the warehouse. We are suffering from a severe burning sensation in the nose. It has become very difficult for us to stay in this area,” a resident, Ghanashyam Das, expressed to OTV.

The incident has raised concerns over safety measures at storage facilities and the potential health risks posed to nearby residential areas.

“There is no visible fire, but only a fume is coming out due to some reaction. We asked the officials concerned to separate acid and other chemical substances and keep them in two different containers,” Marshaghai fire services officer, Soumya Ranjan Sahu, said.

“Now, the fumes have reduced a lot,” the fire services officer added.