Madurai: The practice of burning waste in open water channels across the city is causing severe pollution and discomfort to residents. According to locals, when garbage dumped in these channels accumulates, it is often set on fire, releasing thick black smoke that leads to breathing difficulties and contaminates the air.
Residents Suffer from Toxic Smoke
U Muthu, a resident living near the K Pudur water channel, reported that whenever waste is burned in the channel, everyone in his household experiences respiratory issues due to the dense smoke. A local vendor added that in some cases, residents themselves ignite the accumulated waste to clear the channels.
Environmental Concerns
M Rajan, founder of Vaigai Nathi Makkal Iyakkam, highlighted that the problem of waste burning is widespread across Madurai. “Waste burning occurs in water channels in Kuruvikaran Salai, Sellur, and even on the Vaigai riverbed at times,” he said. “It is challenging to collect waste from small water channels and the riverbed, which contributes to the burning issue. A proper desilting of the water channels is necessary, and a permanent solution must be found to prevent waste from being dumped into open water channels,” he added.
Government Response
A senior official from the Public Works Department (PWD) stated that desilting of water channels will be undertaken soon. “Measures such as installing tall fences and preventing waste dumping are being implemented on several channels,” the official confirmed.
