Protest staged after fire at garbage dumping yard chokes residents

As a fire at a garbage dumping yard at Hosayellapur in Dharwad resulted in toxic fumes spreading to various localities choking residents, angry locals blocked the road on Monday demanding immediate action.

This is second incident of fire at the dumping yard at Hosayellapur in less than 72 hours. As thick smoke billowing from the garbage spread to various localities in Dharwad, residents were forced to wear masks.

As thick smoke spread to more localities, residents were forced to block the road near the Toll Naka. They expressed their ire against the civic authorities who failed to take remedial measures despite repeated reminders.

Localities, including Hosayellapur, Yalakkishettar Colony, Jannat Nagar, Daneshwari Nagar, Lakshmi Nagar, Vidyagiri and Malamaddi, were enveloped in the foul-smelling smoke, leaving residents gasping for clean air.

Motorists travelling on the Hubballi-Dharwad Road too faced problem because of the poor visibility caused by the smoke.

Several residents pointed out that during monsoon they had to tolerate the stench of rotting garbage, while in summer they are being forced to inhale toxic fumes.

Although the issue was brought to the notice of local MLA Arvind Bellad, the issue remains unresolved, they said.

They warned that they will be forced to intensify the agitation if no immediate remedial measures are taken to resolve the recurring problem.

Almost a year ago, on March 12, 2025, residents staged a similar road blockade near the Toll Naka on the Hubballi Road to protest against the same issue, which was followed by a series of memoranda being submitted to various authorities.

The problem escalates during summer as intense heat often triggers fires in the garbage mounds due to chemical reactions.