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Press Note - Fire Ablaze at Uttan Dumping Ground

Writer's picture: Archdiocese of BombayArchdiocese of Bombay

FIRE ABLAZE AT UTTAN DUMPING GROUND ONCE AGAIN: HIGH TIME TO RELOCATE IMMEDIATELY

On the afternoon of Saturday, 01/02/2025, the dumping ground situated on a hillock at Dhavgi Village, Bhayandar West, Uttan Pali, was once again engulfed in ferocious flames. This recurring incident has plagued the area for years, raising serious concerns among the local residents and the broader community.

The fire, which has become an annual occurrence, has left the locals suspicious, with many believing it is deliberately caused. Last year, a similar incident required the intervention of fire brigade personnel, who sustained injuries while attempting to control the blaze. This year, despite their prompt response, the fire brigade was unable to contain the flames, resulting in thick, toxic smoke spreading across neighboring areas and severely disrupting the normal lives of residents.

The repeated fires at the dumping ground have had devastating consequences for the health and well-being of the local population. The toxic smoke has possibly led to a rise in life-threatening respiratory diseases, paralytic strokes, and cancer cases. Pregnant women, in particular, are finding it increasingly difficult to breathe, exacerbating the already dire situation. The police have suspected that the fires are due to the presence of hazardous materials in the garbage, further highlighting the urgent need for action.

Last year alone, similar fires broke out eight times, depriving locals of their fundamental right to clean air and now threatening their livelihoods due to the overflow of garbage and leachate. The situation has reached a critical point, and the affected communities are demanding immediate action to relocate the dumping ground.

The Archdiocese of Bombay stands in solidarity with the people of Uttan and urges the concerned authorities to take swift and decisive action to address this pressing issue. The health, safety, and well-being of the residents must be prioritized, and the relocation of the dumping ground is no longer a matter of choice but an urgent necessity.

We call upon the government and relevant stakeholders to act immediately to prevent further harm to the environment and the people of Uttan. The time for action is now.



For further information, please contact: Press Office of the Archdiocese of Bombay Contact: [Fr. Nigel Barrett, Spokesperson Archdiocese of Bombay]

Issued by: The Press Office, Archdiocese of Bombay

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