Illegal dumping and burning of plastic garbage waste has once again been reported at Chanimall in Koshti, raising serious environmental and health concerns among local residents. Unidentified persons allegedly dumped plastic waste at the same location and set it on fire, reviving fears after a similar and more severe incident occurred there last year.
Residents recalled that in the previous incident, chemical waste had caught fire at the very spot, releasing toxic gases and thick fog that spread across Koshti village. The blaze had gone out of control and was eventually brought under control only after soil was dumped using a JCB machine. Following widespread protests by villagers, the Deputy Collector and other officials had visited the site and assured corrective action.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
However, villagers allege that the recurrence of the incident reflects weak administration and a lack of strict follow-up. They claim that had stringent action been taken earlier, the latest episode could have been prevented.
This time, the Curchorem Fire Brigade responded swiftly and managed to contain the fire before it could spread further, averting a major pollution threat to the village. Despite this, residents fear that such incidents may continue unless permanent preventive measures are put in place.
The Panchayat Sarpanch expressed frustration over what he described as the authorities’ failure to act firmly against those responsible, stating that leniency has encouraged repeat offences. While the Panchayat has ordered the immediate removal of the dumped garbage, it is facing challenges due to the absence of an alternative dumping site and inadequate funds.
The Panchayat has formally lodged a complaint regarding the incident and has demanded immediate and stringent action to prevent future environmental and health hazards for the villagers.
