Coimbatore Corporation debunks misinformation about refreshment expenses during the 11-day Vellalore dumpyard fire operation. The corporation spent ₹27.52 lakhs for meals and refreshments for 500-600 personnel working 24/7 in a toxic environment involved in the massive firefighting effort.
Coimbatore: The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation has issued a clarification regarding recent rumors about excessive spending on refreshments during the Vellalore dumpyard fire incident. At a recent council meeting, the corporation provided a detailed account of the emergency response and associated costs, addressing concerns and dispelling misinformation.
The fire, which broke out on April 6, 2024, at approximately 5:00 PM in the Vellalore landfill, quickly escalated due to strong winds and summer heat. The blaze engulfed nearly 50 acres of waste, causing heavy smoke to spread to surrounding areas and posing significant health risks to local residents.
In response to the crisis, fire engines were summoned from various districts across Tamil Nadu. On average, 13 fire engines, each manned by 14 firefighters, were deployed daily. Between 23 to 42 water tankers were utilized each day to supply these fire engines.
During the peak 12 days of the firefighting effort, an estimated 500 to 600 personnel worked round-the-clock in shifts. This massive mobilization included firefighters, police personnel, corporation officials and staff, health workers, supervisors, officers, inspectors, and medical teams.
The gravity of the situation prompted high-level government intervention. T. Karthikeyan IAS, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, S. Sivarasu IAS, Director of Municipal Administration, Kranthi Kumar Pati IAS, Coimbatore District Collector, and senior police officials visited the site. They assessed the situation and reviewed fire control measures with the Corporation Commissioner, following directives from the Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu.
To support the personnel working tirelessly in intense summer heat, the corporation provided three quality meals daily, along with a constant supply of drinking water, buttermilk, biscuits, and other refreshments.
At the Corporation Council meeting held on July 26, 2024, it was revealed that the total expenditure for the fire control operation, including all refreshments and supplies, amounted to Rs. 27.52 lakhs. This figure was presented for review and official recording.
The Deputy Mayor, Zonal Committee Chairpersons, Standing Committee Chairpersons, and all Council members unanimously praised the Corporation Commissioner and staff for their intensive efforts in bringing the fire under control.
This clarification comes in the wake of fake news being published on news portals and subsequently floated around in social media. Coimbatore, with its population of 22,88,052 spread across 25,704 square kilometers, generates 1,055 metric tons of solid waste daily. While biodegradable waste is converted into compost, about 150 metric tons of non-biodegradable waste is deposited at the Vellalore landfill daily.
