Chennai: Kodungaiyur dumpyard up in flames

CHENNAI: Two weeks after a raging fire at Perungudi dumpyard, fire broke out at its counterpart in North Chennai, Kodungaiyur, on Friday morning. Officials said that fire spread to about six acres of the 258-acre dumpyard, which gets 2,600 metric tonnes of waste every day.
For long-time residents, the fire and the promises to remove the dumpyard have become an annual affair.
“I have lost count on how many times this dumpyard had caught fire in last three decades. I have lost hope. I have put up with this for 45 years. At least the next generation must be saved from this toxic pollution,” said Ramachandra Rao (87), who waged a futile fight against removal of the dump yard over the years. “Both the major political parties have not supported me. This area was added to city in 1946. In 1990, it was merged with Chennai corporation. Three decades later, no development has happened here,” he said.
Thousands of residents living around the dump yard were affected as toxic fumes emanated till 4 pm, when about 80% of the flames were doused. When TOI visited the dump yard at 4:30 pm, the smoke was moving towards the residential areas in the northern side. The fire took place in the area where fresh waste is dumped. While officials are yet to ascertain the reason for the fire, residents living in the locality, demanded that the dumpyard be shifted.
“Real estate, metro rail, and other amenities have eluded Kodungaiyur area because of the dumpyard. Those who can, have vacated. Underprivileged still live here,” Rao added.
Ganesh Perumal (60), who lives just 200 feet away from the dumpyard, said that the senior citizens already have wheezing problems and government should take steps to save future generations. Ward 73 councillor, J Dilli Babu of Congress, said he would ensure waste does not come into the dumpyard from other areas.
“Four fire fighters, 15 earth movers, and two corporation water lorries were deployed. 80% of the fire has been doused and the remaining would be doused by the end of the day,” said Sivaguru Prabhakaran, regional deputy commissioner (north).