Chennai, 20 August (H.S.) : In the early hours of Wednesday, August 20, 2025, a significant disturbance occurred on Thiruneermalai service road in Tambaram when chemical waste and industrial garbage were illegally dumped and set ablaze. The incident led to a lorry being completely gutted after flames spread to its diesel tank, exacerbating the situation and causing widespread disruption in the area.
The burning of chemical waste generated a dense cloud of smoke, severely impacting visibility and air quality. This affected both residents in nearby areas and traffic flow along the service road. Local reports indicate that industries in the Nagalkeni and Pammal areas of Tambaram Corporation frequently transport waste under the cover of night, dumping it near Pulikoradu along the Thiruneermalai service road, where it is subsequently set on fire. Despite repeated complaints from residents to the Tambaram Corporation, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, and local police, no effective measures have been implemented to curb this hazardous practice.
On the morning of the incident, the situation escalated when flames from an existing pile of burning waste spread to a nearby parked lorry. Strong winds fueled the fire, causing it to intensify rapidly. The Tambaram fire department responded promptly, deploying personnel who worked for over three hours to extinguish the blaze. Despite their efforts, the lorry was entirely destroyed, and the surrounding area was enveloped in thick smoke, further inconveniencing residents and disrupting traffic.
Local residents have expressed frustration over the recurring issue, emphasizing the health and safety risks posed by the illegal dumping and burning of chemical waste in close proximity to residential zones. They have called for immediate action from authorities to address the problem and prevent future incidents.
According to the spokesperson from the Tambaram Corporation acknowledged the incident and stated , An investigation is underway to identify the parties responsible for the illegal dumping. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has also been notified, and officials are assessing the environmental impact of the chemical waste disposal. The Corporation has assured residents that steps will be taken to enhance monitoring and enforce stricter regulations to prevent such occurrences in the future. However, no specific timeline for these measures was provided.
The incident underscores the urgent need for coordinated action between local authorities, pollution control bodies, and law enforcement to address the persistent issue of illegal waste disposal in Tambaram and protect the well-being of residents.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary
