Garbage-burning continues across Coimbatore district

R. Ranganayaki, a 55-year-old rag-picker, coughed as she attempted to move a burning plastic bottle with a stick near Urumandampalayam, Ward 14 in the Coimbatore Corporation’s North Zone.

“For decades, this has been a problem. Some people burn garbage that is piled up for days to avoid mosquito infestation and to keep warm at night. However, it is also because many people discard cigarettes without extinguishing it completely, which ignites flammable items in the garbage, such as paper, plastic, and leaves,” said Ms. Ranganayaki.

“I live in the city and have been picking up waste for over 20 years. My breathing and vision are affected by the flames and smoke (that come from the burnt waste). I cannot afford the medications required to treat the ailments,” she added.

Corporation Commissioner M. Prathap says that while the issue is regular in some areas, the civic body is taking steps to curb it.

Burning of garbage in neighbourhoods is not only common in the city, but across the district too.

A resident of Edayarpalayam in Karamadai block, requesting anonymity, said recently a thick blanket of smoke covered the area in January. After investigation, it was discovered that some people in Chikkadasampalayam village nearby were burning heaps of waste accumulated due to delayed collection by sanitary workers.

“Children and the elderly particularly suffered as a result of this. My six-year-old has asthma and was unable to cope with the smog. Residents reported the problem to local authorities, who have promised to take action,” the resident claimed.