Khandala / Satara, Correspondent
A massive fire broke out at the garbage depot located on the outskirts of Khandala around 7 pm on Tuesday, sending thick clouds of smoke across the surrounding areas. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, officials said.
The Khandala Municipal Council has appointed a contractor for the town’s sanitation work. Garbage collected daily from the city and the weekly market is transported to this depot. However, serious questions are being raised regarding whether proper waste segregation is being carried out at the site.
Large heaps of mixed garbage—wet waste, dry waste, plastics, and other refuse—have accumulated due to the lack of segregation. Despite having machinery capable of converting organic waste into compost, alleged negligence by the contractor and the health department has reportedly caused financial losses worth lakhs of rupees to the Municipal Council.
Upon learning about the blaze, Municipal Council Chairperson Ujwalatai Sankpal visited the depot to assess the situation. Former Construction Committee Chairman Shailesh Gadhave, councillors Yogesh Sankpal, Pravin Sankpal, Prashant Gadhave, and several others rushed to the spot.
Initial attempts were made to control the fire using water tankers of the Municipal Council. Later, fire tenders from Wai Municipal Council and Asian Paints Company joined the operation. Firefighters worked tirelessly until 2 am to bring the fire under control. A significant portion of the accumulated garbage was found partially burnt.
This incident has once again highlighted the long-pending issue of the town’s solid waste management project. Locals are demanding a permanent solution to prevent such episodes in the future.
Municipal Chief Officer Kalyan Hulge informed that an inquiry has been initiated, and directions have been issued to the health department to file a police complaint against the concerned contractor.
Contractor Responsible: Opposition Leader
“Over the past two years, no waste segregation or composting has been carried out. Huge quantities of garbage had piled up. To dispose of the waste, the contractor has repeatedly used illegal practices, including burning. The entire responsibility lies with the contractor.” — Sandeep Jadhav, Opposition Leader
Action Will Be Taken: Municipal Chairperson
“The fire at the Khandala garbage depot is a serious matter. A detailed investigation will be conducted, and strict measures will be taken to ensure such incidents do not recur. Those found guilty will face action.” — Ujwalatai Sankpal, Municipal Chairperson
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