Team Herald
PONDA: Residents of Curti-Khandepar have raised concerns about severe air pollution in the Amigoes Junction area along the main National Highway roadside. Commuters and locals were forced to breathe polluted air after hazardous waste and garbage were set alight near the flyover at Curti.
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The burning began in the morning and continued until late in the evening, causing pollution across the surrounding residential areas as the smoke spread with the wind. Locals fear that the burning of plastic and other hazardous waste could lead to serious health problems.
Residents noted that the issue of garbage dumping was recently discussed at the gram sabha, where the panchayat had promised to issue notices to those responsible. However, the problem remains unresolved.
Sandeep Parkar, a local resident, revealed that he had filed a complaint about waste being dumped by the roadside 15 months ago with the Pollution Control Board and the panchayat. Despite receiving assurances, no action has been taken to clear the garbage.
Parkar urged the Chief Minister’s Office to intervene, stating, “After setting fire to this plastic and hazardous waste, it has released poisonous smoke, causing significant inconvenience to the public. The panchayat should ensure that garbage is not allowed to be dumped by the roadside.”
