Toxic smoke from Baruipur dumping ground chokes residents, causes accidents

Toxic black smoke from the Baruipur Municipality dumping ground in Ranabeliaghat is creating severe health and safety hazards for residents, commuters, and students. The dumping ground, located beside Kulpi Road, serves as a disposal site for waste collected from all 17 wards of the municipality. Residents allege that garbage is being set on fire regularly, leading to thick, harmful fumes that spread across the area.

The affected site falls under Dhapdhapi 1 No. Panchayat and Ward No. 8 of Baruipur Municipality. Locals report that the smoke causes breathing difficulties, eye irritation, and discomfort, particularly for the elderly and schoolchildren. Ranabeliaghat High School, situated near the dumping ground, is also affected by the pollution. Commuters on Kulpi Road say that the dense smoke reduces visibility, making driving unsafe and leading to frequent accidents.

Baruipur Municipality Vice Chairman Gautam Kumar Das acknowledged the issue and stated that a bio-fertilizer plant is planned for the site. “There are not many residential houses nearby, and the school is at a distance. Once the factory is established, the problem will be resolved,” he said. However, no timeline for the project has been provided.

Residents claim that repeated complaints to the authorities have failed to bring any solution. Many have expressed concerns over their health, with reports of respiratory issues among those exposed to the fumes daily. Some residents say that municipal workers or unknown individuals are responsible for setting the garbage on fire, though no official confirmation has been made.

Commuters and locals are demanding immediate intervention to control the fire and implement stricter waste management practices. They have urged the municipality to take urgent steps to prevent further burning and enforce regulations to ensure the safety of residents and daily travelers on Kulpi Road.