Surat: A massive fire erupted at the Khajod dumpsite of the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Sunday and caused thick clouds of smoke. The fire raised environmental and health concerns among citizens.After the recent expose which showed untreated waste being dumped in fields by the SMC, the burning waste at Khajod put a question mark over the SMC’s waste disposal practices. Sources in SMC said fires at the dumpsite were common, but they were controlled by spraying water at regular intervals. The fire on Monday turned massive and could not be controlled.The Khajod site has become a concern for the SMC. A new waste processing site near Umber village, close to the Sachin industrial area, is being developed as Khajod has been filled to its capacity. The SMC says restoration of land was done at the Khajod dump site.The city’s AQI rose above an alarming 300 on Sunday. Parts of the posh Althan and Vesu areas stank for two hours due to the burning waste.
