Surat: The city, known as one of the cleanest in the country, is currently grappling with a serious environmental and public health issue, as a massive fire has been raging at the Khajod dumping site for the past 10 days. The prolonged blaze has engulfed nearby residential areas in thick smoke, severely impacting air quality and raising health concerns among residents.

People living in societies such as Aagam Heights and Sunflower in the Sarsana area have voiced strong opposition, warning political leaders to resolve the issue before seeking votes in the upcoming elections.

Residents say the situation has forced them to remain confined indoors, with many even wearing masks inside their homes. “For the last 10 days, the smoke has been so intense that opening windows is impossible. Even stepping outside has become dangerous,” said a senior citizen residing in Aagam Heights.

With local elections approaching, anger among residents is intensifying. Members of Aagam Heights have unanimously decided to boycott voting if a permanent solution is not implemented.

Locals allege that no corporator has visited the area despite the severity of the situation. “If leaders do not care about our lives, why should we care about voting?” a resident questioned, adding that over 2,000 voters from around 550 flats may abstain from voting.

Residents have also raised concerns over recurring fires at the dumping site, claiming such incidents occur every 15–20 days. They suspect irregularities in waste management practices.

“Crores of rupees are spent on garbage disposal contracts, yet waste continues to be burned. Is this negligence or a deliberate attempt to reduce visible waste?” residents asked, demanding an immediate probe by the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC).

Several residents have reported a rise in respiratory problems, especially among children and senior citizens.

Over 3,000 families living near the dumping site have warned of protests and legal action if urgent measures are not taken. They have demanded that the fire be extinguished on a war footing and that scientific waste management practices be implemented. DeshGujarat