Blaze scorches illegal OMR dump, Muttukadu backwater faces heat

100 tankers release raw sewage daily at dump illegally operated by local body

-  SV KRISHNA CHAITANYA

FOR the last five days, an illegal dump on the banks of Muttukadu backwaters in Kazhipattur has been on fire and toxic smoke emanating from it has caused hardship for those living in high-rise buildings nearby on Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR).

Several residents said they were sealing their doors and windows using tapes in a desperate move to stop the smoke entering their rooms. "We can't operate air conditioners when there is smoke all around and we can't open our windows either. Our homes have become gas chambers.

My wife and I are over 70 years old and have health issues. There are several elderly people and pregnant women in our apartment complex who are at high risk," said Rishi Muni Dwivedi, a resident of Neel Kamal Apartments in Kazhipattur.