Bhopal: Adampur Garbage Pit Continues To Smoulder, Choke Villagers

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Over a day since the massive fire erupted at the Adampur garbage pit, thousands of families who live across at least five villages nearby are struggling with burning eyes and breathing problems amid thick and hazardous smoke. 

Bhopal Municipal Corporation authorities believe that methane gas produced by decomposing trash, particularly in this heat, started Tuesday’s fire.

Firefighters and more than 100 water tankers have been trying to combat the blaze, but high gusts thwart their attempts, frequently reigniting the fire. Meanwhile, the unprocessed garbage continues to smoulder, affecting over 10,000 lives across villages, including Padriya, Koluwa, Bilkhiriya, Shanti Nagar, Arjun Nagar, and the Cantonment area.

According to local reports, the fire, visible from nearly five kilometers away, has burned through an estimated two to three lakh tons of waste. Facing health issues, some families have even relocated their elderly.

“This is the worst fire we’ve seen since 2018,” said Shanti Nagar resident Raja Banjara. “It happens every summer, but it is far worse this year,” MalkhanKewat from Koluwa village said, adding, “Most people are suffering from eye irritation and breathing trouble. We’ve sent our elders to nearby villages for their safety.”

Mamta Banjara, another resident, highlighted the additional risks. “We’re used to the foul smell, but now, the burning garbage is contaminating our water and food. Clean drinking water is the biggest issue,” she said.

Officials claim the landfill was built to manage 500-600 tons of waste per day, but Bhopal generates more than 900 tons per day, forcing rubbish to overflow and accumulate precariously.

‘Sleepless night’

Expressing concern, district member Santosh Prajapati said, “I couldn’t sleep all night due to burning in my eyes because of the smoke. It’s coming out even this morning.”

Medical camp for villagers

Local MLA Rameshwar Sharma told the Free Press that the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) has assured the setting up of a medical camp on Thursday to provide medical assistance to affected villagers. Sharma added that discussions were underway to establish afire station in Adampur, with water sourced from a nearby dam. “The ongoing construction of a CNG plant near the garbage pit will help tackle this issue. Once operational, this problem should be resolved within six months,” he said.

news