The dumping ground of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation in the Deepor Beel area has been burning for the past couple of months, but the government appears oblivious to its deleterious effect on the residents. They are deeply troubled by the continuous burning of waste, which they believe the authorities have not effectively tackled. This ongoing issue has sparked frustration and rightly raised serious questions about environmental management in the area. For the past 2-3 years, residents of Belortol have endured the unpleasant odor emanating from the dumping ground, but the situation has escalated with the continuous burning of waste since February. The acrid smoke has engulfed the area, making it difficult for residents to breathe properly and carry out daily activities such as drying clothes outdoors. This environmental crisis has not only caused discomfort but also posed a serious threat to health of the residents.
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The impact of the waste burning extends beyond physical discomfort, with many residents reporting feeling nauseous and unwell due to the poor air quality. The smoke from the burning waste has spread to neighboring areas like Pamohi and the Bhimasankar temple, affecting not only residents but also devotees who visit the temple. Residents are forced to keep their doors and windows shut to prevent flies and pests from entering their homes, exacerbating the feeling of confinement and discomfort. Waste brought by crows from the dumping ground and dumped in the houses further adds to the sanitation issues faced by residents, with insects and pests becoming a common sight in their surroundings. The situation has reached a point where even birds, which once frequented Deepor Beel, have been deterred from visiting the area due to the environmental degradation caused by the burning waste.
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It’s time the government takes steps to mitigate the people’s suffering before the situation turns worse.