Nearly 200 DMK workers and local residents were removed from near the garbage dumping yard in Vellalore, when they attempted to stage demonstration demanding immediate shifting of the yard, which was making life difficult for those who lived in the vicinity.

The garbage in the yard caught fire yesterday afternoon, putting the residents in and around the area into lot of hardship. The heavy smoke that rose from the burning garbage caused bouts of cough and breathing problems. The Corporation had managed to only partially put off the fire, which had spread in the 15-acre dumping yard, where solid waste from the city area was dumped.

Seeking immediate shifting of the yard to some other place, DMK local secretary, Kurichi Prabhakaran, led the demonstration. The members raised slogans against the corporation and officials for their poor maintenance of the yard. They said that the yard caused mental agony to the residents, as they were not able to eat properly due to the flies and foul odour emanating from the garbage dump. The frequent fire also created health problems, especially among the children.

Police removed the DMK cadres, even as some 50 workers from Corporation were involved in putting off the fire and preventing it from spreading to nearby area. Suspecting arson and foul play, the Corporation is also considering to lodge a complaint seeking the arrest of the culprits.