The burning garbage emits harmful substances such as carbon oxides, sulfur dioxide, and polycyclic organic matter. Those living closest to the fires are at the highest risk, inhaling smoke filled with toxic chemicals that can lead to severe respiratory issues over time.
In the narrow lanes of Arunachal Path, Bhaskar Nagar, Zoo Tiniali, life has become a nightmare. Residents and commuters find themselves suffocated by the relentless smoke from an open garbage fire that has been burning for nearly two months. The stifling air forces windows to remain shut and children to stay indoors, leaving the residents to struggle with a growing health crisis.
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Walking through Arunachal Path, one is immediately met with the acrid smell of burning plastic. Smoke hangs thick in the air, stinging the eyes and making every breath feel laboured. Residents have grown accustomed to the haze, but it has left them worried about their long-term health.
Talking to GPlus, Rahul Gupta, a resident of Zoo Tiniali said, “It is a dumping ground for the Railway. This garbage fire has been burning slowly for almost two months. The smoke has engulfed our area, and many elderly people are falling sick."
Arindam Bhagwati, a cyclist talking to GPlus said, "Cycling in the morning is supposed to be refreshing, but with these waste fires, it’s anything but that. The smoke is unbearable,” he said, pointing to the thick haze that has become the new norm for morning commuters.
The environmental damage is evident in the numbers. According to Pramod Kalita, an environmental activist, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the Railway Colony area was recorded at 246 on December 3, indicating poor air quality. By December 10, the AQI had risen to 260, further worsening conditions. “These figures underline the urgency of addressing this issue. Open garbage burning releases toxic chemicals that harm not just the environment but also human health,” Kalita explained.
The burning garbage emits harmful substances such as carbon oxides, sulfur dioxide, and polycyclic organic matter. Those living closest to the fires are at the highest risk, inhaling smoke filled with toxic chemicals that can lead to severe respiratory issues over time.
For residents like Rahul Gupta of Zoo Tiniali, the continuous smoke from burning waste has turned daily life into a struggle. Sharing his experience, he said the garbage fire is more than a nuisance; it has made the air nearly unbreathable. "The smoke from the garbage fire has made it nearly impossible to live here. It’s not just an inconvenience; it’s a serious health risk," he said. Gupta further pointed out that the situation is particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
He added, "Elderly people are coughing constantly, and children can’t even step outside to play. The air feels toxic. How much longer do we have to suffer like this?"
Local shopkeepers in Arunachal Path have also been severely affected by the ongoing crisis.
Talking to GPlus, a shopkeeper in the area said, "The GMC only cleans our area once a year, and the rest of the time, it’s the Railway people dumping garbage without any thought for our lives," he said. Despite raising multiple complaints, the situation remains unchanged. "We have raised complaints so many times, but no one listens," he added.
The shopkeeper also pointed to the health risks caused by the neglected drains and piles of waste. "This mess has caused outbreaks of dengue, and the drains are so filthy they have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and diseases. How are we supposed to live like this?" he asked, summing up the frustration and hopelessness felt by many in the area.
App-based drivers have also started refusing trips to the area. Talking to GPlus, a driver said, “Zoo Road is one of Guwahati’s major roads, but these inner lanes are filthy. I avoid trips to this area because the waste and smoke make it unbearable.”
Passing the Blame
The issue has turned into a blame game between the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) and Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). A senior GMC official stated, “We clean the other part of Arunachal Path, which is under GMC’s jurisdiction. But where the waste is dumped is not ours—it belongs to the Railway. They should take responsibility.”
However, a senior official from NFR refuted this, saying, “We have been informed that this matter falls under the Guwahati Municipal Corporation. GMC needs to make alternative arrangements.” Another NFR official added, “Garbage dumping is related to the health department.”
This constant passing of responsibility has left residents frustrated and without a solution. Environmentalists warn that prolonged exposure to the smoke and toxins released by the garbage fire poses significant health risks. These include respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and even long-term complications like cancer.
Speaking to GPlus, a renowned environmentalist said, “Collection, management, and disposal of waste need to be properly addressed to resolve this crisis. Leaving it to burn not only pollutes the air but also affects groundwater and soil quality.”
The condition of the drains further exacerbates the issue. Stagnant water mixed with garbage is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of diseases like dengue and malaria.
Residents and activists alike are demanding immediate action. They have urged both the GMC and NFR to stop pointing fingers and come up with a coordinated plan to manage the waste. “It is not just about cleaning the area once in a while. We need a permanent solution,” said one activist.
The question remains: how long will residents have to endure the choking smoke and deteriorating living conditions? Will the authorities step up and take action, or will the blame game continue, leaving citizens to suffer?