Khajod Dump Fire Rages On, Sparks Fresh ‘Garbage Scam’ Allegations in Surat

Surat | Gujarat — The fire department’s best efforts to control the Khajod Dump Fire Continues Unabated, Raises Serious Questions on Civic Accountability

Surat: The massive fire at the Khajod dumping site in Surat has entered its second day with no signs of being brought under control, exposing glaring gaps in waste management and reigniting allegations of a possible “garbage scam” within the civic system.

Despite relentless efforts by fire department teams since Tuesday afternoon, flames and thick plumes of smoke continued to rise on Wednesday, visible from several kilometres away. The intensity of the blaze has been compared to a wildfire, with hundreds of litres of water proving insufficient to douse the flames.

Residents across the city watched in concern as the fire spread over nearly a kilometre of the dumping ground. “Even after a full day of firefighting, the fire is still raging. This clearly shows something is seriously wrong,” said a local resident.

The incident has once again put the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) under scrutiny. Already facing criticism over past allegations of improper waste disposal, the civic body’s image has taken another hit as questions are being raised about whether such fires are accidental or deliberate.

Earlier, the SMC had faced backlash after reports emerged that waste from the Khajod site was being dumped in fields in remote areas instead of being scientifically processed. The controversy had led to action against contractor CD Transport Company and the transfer of officials, while an investigation committee was also set up.

However, with the probe moving at a slow pace, the recurrence of a major fire within just 52 days has fuelled suspicions. Political circles and activists are now openly questioning whether such incidents are being used to destroy evidence and shield those responsible for alleged irregularities.

“There are serious allegations that fires are being set intentionally instead of scientifically disposing of waste. The administration must answer why such incidents keep happening,” an activist said.

Firefighters continued operations through the night, deploying extensive resources in an attempt to contain the blaze. Yet, visuals of raging flames and dense smoke clouds persist, indicating the scale of the challenge.