Fire continues to rage in Pallikaranai dumpyard for the second day as fire fighters struggle to contain the blaze.
Stench and smoke emanating from the dumpyard gave residents of surrounding Madipakkam and Perungudi sleepless nights. Traffic was also blocked on Velachery main road owing to poor visibility.
Several motorists were put to severe hardship as they were diverted through Madipakkam 7th Cross Road to reach Pallikaranai, Medavakkam and Thoraipakkam. Vehicles had to travel nearly 15 km because of the diversion.
“The roads in Madipakkam are in a very bad shape. I could not drive through the stretch. It was so annoying. Some motorists even skidded and fell,” said Rajesh, a resident of Perungudi.
“We have been suffering since March. Fire accidents have occurred earlier. The corporation workers set the garbage on fire everytime and blame the rag pickers. Despite several representations, no action has been taken.
Unable to tolerate the stench, many families have moved out, pointed out G. Krishnamurthy, an activist and a resident of Madipakkam. “I am helpless, I can’t leave this place, since it is my own property.
I was out of town for over a week because of this problem. The windows of our house remain closed all the time. We are deprived of fresh air,” he added.
When contacted, a senior corporation official said, “The fire will be brought under control soon. People need not panic. Velachery main road is still blocked citing safety of the vehicle users. Soon, traffic will resume.”