By TC News Desk
Agartala, April 28, 2024 : A raging inferno has besieged the dumping station situated in Damdamiya and Debendranagar areas under Agartala Municipal Corporation, leaving residents in distress and authorities grappling for solutions. The fire, which erupted in the early hours of Saturday morning, has defied all attempts at containment, persisting for over two days despite the relentless efforts of firefighters.
Local inhabitants initially alerted the fire brigade upon spotting the flames, prompting an immediate response. However, despite the deployment of multiple teams and resources, including three fire engines, the blaze continues to spread unabated. The situation has been exacerbated by the presence of vast quantities of plastic and polythene within the garbage heaps, poisoning the air and making breathing difficult for residents within several hundred meters of the site.
Efforts to investigate the cause of the fire have been hampered by administrative setbacks, with the authorities failing to make substantial progress in determining the ignition source. The Officer-in-Charge of the Shyamoli Bazar fire station expressed frustration over the prolonged duration of the firefighting operation, stating that even after four days, the situation remains precarious.
While the fire has not yet reached a critical level, it poses a significant threat to the surrounding environment and residents’ well-being. The acrid stench of burning plastic has permeated the air, causing discomfort and health concerns among locals. The affected area spans approximately four acres, with fears mounting over the potential for further expansion if the blaze remains unchecked.
As the community grapples with the unfolding crisis, the foremost question on everyone’s mind is the timeline for extinguishing the fire and restoring normalcy to the area. With no end in sight, residents and authorities alike anxiously await a resolution to this ongoing ordeal.
The situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive waste management strategies and heightened vigilance to prevent similar incidents in the future.
