Surat: The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) is adopting a new approach to control recurring fires at the Khajod waste disposal site, with trials of chemical solutions such as bioculum and foam conducted on Thursday. Further trials will be carried out to assess their effectiveness.“These products have been used elsewhere in the country. They play a key role in treating fire-affected waste. To prevent reignition, we have also accelerated waste processing,” an SMC official said.Deep-seated fires within the waste continue to emit thick smoke despite surface-level control. Officials said bioculum, when sprayed over affected waste, helps break down methane gas trapped inside the garbage. “Methane acts as fuel within the waste mass. Reducing it can help control recurring fires and smoke,” the official added.The fire department is also testing foam as a method to suppress smoke. A separate trial for foam-based control was demonstrated at the site. Authorities are additionally exploring the use of drones to spray bioculum or foam for wider coverage and to minimise risks to ground personnel.To address operational challenges, SMC is working on improving water availability. Fire tenders currently travel to Bhimrad and Althan for refilling, causing delays. Officials are exploring the use of a 5 lakh-litre tank at DREAM City, with pumping infrastructure being set up for continuous supply.Monitoring measures are also being strengthened. CCTV cameras are being installed at the site for round-the-clock surveillance.The fire reignited on April 6, flaring up in a section of RDF stock due to high temperatures and shifting winds. Smoke spread towards the north-east, officials said.Earlier, on March 24, a major blaze had spread across nearly 2 km of the site, affecting RDF and recyclable waste. To contain the fire, SMC deployed 18 excavators and backhoe loaders, while over 150 truckloads of soil were dumped on the site.More than 12 fire engines and water bowsers, along with over 50 firefighters, have been engaged in the operation. Officials said over 8 million litres of water has been used so far to control the blaze.
