The Archdiocese of Bombay has raised concerns about the recurring fires at Dhavgi village, Uttan-Pali, Bhayandar, and its effect on the health of the residents.

The latest incident of fire took place on February 1. In a statement, the spokesperson for the archdiocese, Father Nigel Barrett, said that the recurring fires have left the locals suspicious, with many believing it is deliberately caused. 

Last year, a major fire required the intervention of fire brigade personnel, who sustained injuries while attempting to control the blaze. This year, despite their prompt response, the fire brigade was unable to contain the flames, resulting in thick, toxic smoke spreading across neighboring areas and severely disrupting the normal lives of residents, the statement said, adding that the poisonous smoke could have led to a rise in life-threatening respiratory diseases, paralytic strokes, and cancer cases.

The Archdiocese of Bombay said it stands in solidarity with the people of Uttan and asks the concerned authorities to take swift and decisive action to address this pressing issue. The residents' health, safety, and well-being must be prioritised, and the dumping ground's relocation is no longer a matter of choice but an urgent necessity.

Pregnant women, in particular, are finding it increasingly difficult to breathe, exacerbating the already dire situation. The police suspect that the fires are due to hazardous materials in the garbage, further highlighting the urgent need for action, the statement said. 

The archdiocese added that there were eight fires last year. The pollution from the fires deprived the local residents of their fundamental right to clean air and is now threatening their livelihoods due to the overflow of garbage and leachate. 'The situation has reached a critical point, and the affected communities are demanding immediate action to relocate the dumping ground. We call upon the government and relevant stakeholders to act immediately to prevent further harm to the environment and the people of Uttan', said the statement.