Pallikaranai Dump Yard Fire Causes Traffic Chaos in Velachery

A significant fire erupted at the Pallikaranai dump yard on Thursday morning, leading to major traffic disruptions in the southern suburbs of Chennai, particularly affecting the Tambaram-Velachery Road and the Pallavaram-Thoraipakkam Radial Road. The fire started at the Chennai Corporation's plastic baling centre, located between Pallikaranai and Madipakkam in Ward 188 of Zone 14, Perungudi. The blaze began around 8.45 am in an area where plastic waste was stored, quickly spreading and producing thick black smoke that lowered visibility on the roads, causing severe traffic congestion.

Commuters, including school students, faced breathing difficulties due to the heavy smoke. The fire also damaged several vehicles seized by the Corporation and parked near the dump yard. Fire engines from Tambaram, Guindy, Velachery, Medavakkam, and Adyar were dispatched to the scene, along with water tankers from the Metro Water Board, to combat the flames. After more than four hours of firefighting, the blaze was brought under control, preventing further spread.

The Madipakkam police have registered a case and are conducting an investigation into the incident. Officials from the Chennai Corporation visited the site to conduct a detailed inquiry into the cause of the fire and assess the damage. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges related to waste management and safety in the area.