Gurgaon: Open burning of plastic and other non-biodegradable waste in the narrow lanes of Sadar market has turned into a major safety hazard for shopkeepers and visitors. Thick smoke from waste burning, allegedly by shopkeepers, spreads through the congested commercial area, with the practice intensifying as garbage accumulates due to the ongoing sanitation workers’ strike.Shopkeepers said waste is being set alight at several spots in and around the market, sending thick fumes through the tightly packed lanes. “The smoke from burning plastic hangs in these lanes all day. Our eyes burn and our throats itch, while customers often leave because of the fumes,” said a shopkeeper.The fires have also increased the risk of a blaze in the dense market area, where shops, electrical wiring, vendors and pedestrians are packed into narrow passages. Another shopkeeper said burning waste outside stores could allow flames to spread quickly to nearby establishments, increasing the risk of a major fire disaster.The market sees heavy footfall, and visitors said the limited space made the fires particularly dangerous. “Seeing fires in the middle of these crowded lanes is frightening. There is barely any space for people to move, let alone evacuate quickly if a fire spreads,” said Sushma, a shopper.Another visitor, Rajat, said pedestrians, including children, are forced to pass close to the burning waste. He said synthetic shopping bags and other combustible material carried by visitors could increase the risk of a fire.Traders and visitors complained of breathing difficulties and irritation caused by the smoke. They urged civic authorities to stop the waste burning, clear the accumulated waste and increase monitoring in the market. They said the combination of garbage, toxic fumes, narrow lanes and heavy crowds poses health and fire-safety risks.Meanwhile, MCG officials said they would look into the matter.
