A major fire erupted Monday at the temporary landfill site in Pokhara-32, Lameahal, rapidly spreading out of control. Nearby settlements in Pokhara-32 and Pokhara-33 are facing imminent danger from the blaze. A mushroom farm adjacent to the landfill has already sustained damage.
“Smoke and the terrible smell are making life unbearable for residents,” stated local Bhuwani Prasad Paudel. He warned that high winds could potentially push the fire into surrounding settlements.
Despite the efforts of two fire engines and a tanker, attempts to control the fire have proven unsuccessful. Radha Krishna old age home, a Sanskrit school, and a temple lie in proximity to the landfill site.
“Our water supplies are exhausted. Accessing water from the Seti River is proving impossible,” said Harka Bahadur Gayak, fire brigade in-charge of the metropolis.
This temporary landfill has been in use since the closure of the previous site in preparation for the Pokhara International Airport’s opening.
