On Wednesday evening, Ahmedabad faced a severe air quality crisis as thick smoke enveloped several western neighbourhoods, causing significant discomfort and health concerns among residents. The smoke, which persisted for approximately five hours, was traced back to multiple garbage fires across the city, including areas such as Sarkhej, Makarba, Vejalpur, Prahladnagar, Satellite, and Vastrapur. The Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services (AFES) were first alerted to the smoke in Prahladnagar. Initial investigations led to a suspected source near Karnavati Club, but no fire was found. The search expanded as hundreds of fire personnel were dispatched to various locations across the affected areas.
The breakthrough came when firefighters identified the primary source of the smoke near YMCA Club, where a large pile of garbage had been deliberately set ablaze. Efforts to control this fire led to further discoveries: another burning garbage pile was located at Jivraj Park, and a third was found under the Sanathal bridge. Each fire was successfully extinguished, but not before the smoke had significantly impacted local visibility and air quality. Residents, including a local professor, reported severe discomfort due to the smoke. The professor described the scene: “As the sun set, a dense cloud of smoke descended, reducing visibility to merely a block. The accompanying foul stench made breathing extremely difficult throughout the evening.”
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about waste management and fire safety in Ahmedabad. The spread of smoke from these fires underscores the need for more effective measures to prevent such occurrences, including stricter enforcement of waste disposal regulations and enhanced community awareness regarding fire safety. The episode serves as a stark reminder of the impact that improperly managed waste can have on urban environments. As Ahmedabad continues to grow, addressing these issues will be crucial in ensuring the health and safety of its residents. The city’s response to this crisis will be closely watched as it seeks to improve its emergency preparedness and waste management systems.
