Gujarat : AMC Waste Burning Chokes Gyaspur Residents

Ahmedabad : The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC)  is under scrutiny as the smoke emanating from the Gyaspur dumping site is raising health concerns among the 20,000 residents living in its proximity. Reports have surfaced indicating a surge in cases related to skin, lung, and breathing issues, prompting locals to plea for urgent intervention.

Dasrath Munsi, a distressed local resident, highlighted the dire situation caused by the smoke, stating, “The hazardous smoke emerging from the waste burning at the dumpyard is wreaking havoc on the health of nearby residents. It poses severe health risks, particularly to minors and the elderly. Despite our appeals to the GPCB and AMC, a viable solution remains elusive. Consequently, families are being forced to abandon their homes.”

Munsi emphasized the perilous nature of the smoke, underscoring the presence of various toxic materials within the dumping site, intensifying its health hazards.

Adding weight to the concerns, Natubhai Thakor, former sarpanch of Pipalaj, echoed similar distress, asserting that the adverse effects of the smoke extend beyond Gyaspur, impacting the health of residents in Pipalaj as well. “For the past three years, numerous complaints have been lodged with the AMC and GPCB. Regrettably, no response or action has been initiated by the officials,” Thakor lamented.

The situation has raised serious questions about the AMC’s waste management practices and their commitment to addressing environmental and public health issues. The lack of swift action despite repeated alerts has fueled discontent among the affected communities, leading to discussions about potential migration due to health hazards posed by the persistent smoke.