By Sunil Sonker
Mussoorie, 10 Jun: The incident involving a fire in a garbage pile near the IDH building in Mussoorie has now taken on political and administrative overtones. Mussoorie Municipal Council Chairperson Meera Saklani issued a strong statement regarding the matter, noting that reports concerning the MRF (Material Recovery Facility) centre are being published and circulated by some individuals without factual basis; these reports are not only misleading but also constitute an attempt to deceive the public. The Chairperson clarified that the garbage that caught fire near the IDH building was not ordinary household waste but dry waste collected for recycling. The manner in which the fire broke out makes the incident appear suspicious at first glance, and the possibility of sabotage cannot be ruled out.
Meera Saklani alleged that certain individuals, driven by political motives, are attempting to tarnish the image of the municipality. She stated that the Mussoorie Municipality is continuously working to improve the city’s sanitation system, yet some elements are deliberately spreading misinformation to create confusion among the public. She asserted that any attempt to discredit the ‘Clean Mussoorie’ campaign or the waste management system would not be tolerated.
The Chairperson informed that a serious investigation into the entire matter is underway. In this regard, an FIR has been lodged at the Mussoorie police station on behalf of the municipality. The police are now trying to determine whether the fire was accidental or deliberately set. She added that if the investigation reveals the involvement of any individual or group, strict legal action will be taken against them. It is worth noting that a massive fire recently broke out in a large pile of dry waste near the IDH building, requiring the fire department to battle the blaze for hours. Following the incident, questions were raised regarding the municipality’s waste management system. Now, in the wake of the Municipal Chairperson’s statement, the matter appears to be evolving from a mere fire incident into a subject of political debate.
Currently, the police and the concerned departments are investigating the entire matter. All eyes are now fixed on the investigation report, which will clarify whether the fire was an accident or the result of a deliberate conspiracy. If a conspiracy is confirmed, the issue could become a major talking point within Mussoorie’s political and administrative circles.
