GPCB Slams Surat Civic Body Over Toxic Fires at Khajod Dump

Surat | Gujarat — The mounting crisis at Surat’s Khajod disposal site has now triggered a strong warning from the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), which has accused the Surat Municipal Corporation of repeated non-compliance and administrative failure after a series of fires sent toxic fumes across surrounding villages. In a sharply worded notice, the pollution watchdog warned that environmental penalties under the Environment Act could soon follow if the civic body fails to act urgently.

GPCB Notice and Deadline

In the notice issued by GPCB Member Secretary D.M. Thakar, the municipal commissioner, city engineer and solid waste officials have been directed to submit a detailed action plan — including financial allocation — within 15 days. The board has questioned why environmental fines should not be imposed for failing to control repeated landfill fires.

Officials stated that previous warnings issued on December 23, 2025, January 1, 2026 and February 3, 2026 were ignored, allowing the crisis to worsen.

“The civic body has failed to take adequate measures despite repeated instructions, resulting in recurring fires and hazardous smoke,” the notice states.

Fires Spread Toxic Smoke

The latest crisis began on February 27 when a massive blaze erupted at the Khajod garbage dump. Within 24 hours, another fire broke out, sending thick smoke into nearby villages and triggering breathing problems among residents.

Inspection teams from the GPCB visited the site on March 24, 27 and 28 and found burning garbage spread across nearly 20,000 square metres, including the processing area and sanitary landfill zone.

The inspection report highlighted that toxic smoke drifted heavily toward Dipli village and nearby areas, worsening air quality.

Missing Waste Data Raises Alarms

In a shocking revelation, GPCB inspectors found that municipal officials could not provide basic data on the amount of waste generated or processed in the city.

“When asked about the quantity of waste at the disposal site and processing details, the Chief Sanitary Inspector had no records,” the notice revealed.

The board has demanded an explanation from the civic body over the lack of documentation and accountability.

Shadow of Waste Processing Scam

The controversy has also revived allegations linked to the CD Transport waste-processing contract worth ₹217 crore. The contractor allegedly failed to scientifically process all waste and diverted garbage to other locations.

Despite massive quantities of untreated waste piling up — estimated between 14 to 17 lakh metric tonnes — no strict action was taken earlier, raising serious questions about oversight and governance.

A study conducted by experts from Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology had earlier estimated nearly seven lakh metric tonnes of garbage at the site.

Pressure Mounts on Civic Authorities

With repeated fires in just two months and toxic fumes affecting nearby communities, the pollution board has now ordered urgent disposal of legacy waste within a fixed timeline.

“The situation cannot continue. Immediate corrective action is essential to prevent environmental and public health risks,” officials warned.