Massive fire at Mohali garbage dump raises health concerns

A large fire broke out at a garbage dump in Mohali’s Phase 8 on Friday evening, affecting the air quality in a two-kilometre area. The fire lasted for over two hours, creating heavy smoke that alarmed residents. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries or deaths. Paramjeet Singh, a security guard at the site, reported that the fire started around 4:30 PM. He quickly called the fire department for help. Firefighters responded with three fire tenders: two from the local municipal corporation and one from the main station. They worked together to put out the flames. This incident raises serious concerns about fire safety and its impact on public health. The garbage dump has faced criticism for years due to poor waste management and a lack of safety precautions. Despite numerous court orders and fines, local authorities have not implemented effective waste segregation or necessary safety measures.