{
  "id": 19828629,
  "title": "Ulhasnagar: Gaikwad Pada Dumping Ground Fire Continues For Fifth Day, Toxic Smoke Leaves Residents Gasping",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/ulhasnagar-gaikwad-pada-dumping-ground-fire-continues-for-fifth-day",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-13T14:50:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/ulhasnagar-gaikwad-pada-dumping-ground-fire-continues-for-fifth-day-toxic-smoke-leaves-residents-gasping"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ulhasnagar, November 13, 2026 - Days of hazardous smoke and foul odors persist for residents of Gaikwad Pada in Ulhasnagar Camp 5 as a fire at the local dumping ground remains largely uncontrolled, five days after it ignited on Diwali day. Thick smoke continues to rise from the heaps of garbage, causing significant discomfort among those living in surrounding residential areas. The blaze reportedly started around 11 am on Sunday at the Gaikwad Pada dumping ground, rapidly engulfing a large portion of the accumulated waste and generating continuous smoke emissions.\n\nThe Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation's fire brigade responded promptly, attempting to control the flames. However, despite several days of firefighting efforts, the fire has not been fully extinguished. Firefighters continue to spray water on the smoldering waste, but the challenge remains. The smoke from the burning garbage is spreading to nearby neighborhoods, compelling residents to keep their doors and windows closed. Locals report experiencing breathing difficulties due to the fumes, while the intolerable stench has made it hard to remain indoors, especially for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory issues. The fear is that prolonged exposure to the smoke could exacerbate health problems if the fire is not fully contained.\n\nThe persistent nature of the dumping ground as a source of trouble and the accumulation of garbage over time have exacerbated the current situation. The ongoing fire has added to the ongoing civic issues, prompting questions about waste management and the absence of a permanent solution. An anticipated Joint Solid Waste Management Project in Badlapur, aimed at addressing garbage disposal concerns in Ulhasnagar, Ambernath, and Badlapur, is still in the planning stages and will not be fully operational for some time, leaving the immediate crisis unresolved. Residents are calling on Ulhasnagar Mayor Ashwini Nikam and the municipal administration to take immediate action. They urgently request the complete extinguishment of the fire, implementation of measures to prevent smoke from infiltrating residential areas, and provision of necessary health precautions for those affected.",
  "summary": "Ulhasnagar, November 13, 2026: Residents of Gaikwad Pada in Ulhasnagar Camp 5 continue to battle hazardous smoke and a persistent stench as a fire at the local dumping ground remains smouldering even five days after it broke out on Sunday, Diwali day. Thick smoke was still rising from the heaps of garbage on Wednesday, causing considerable discomfort to people living in the surrounding…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}