India, April 16 -- Thick smoke blanketed parts of Greater Noida on Tuesday after a massive fire broke out at an open garbage dumping site near village Junpat, along the 105-metre road.

The blaze that sent black plumes across surrounding residential areas is the latest in a series of such incidents, with residents raising alarm over the worsening air quality and health concerns.

Locals alleged that the Greater Noida authority contractors have been dumping waste at unauthorised locations to save transportation costs, leading to a hazardous build-up of garbage. The densely populated Junpat area, located just 300-400 metres from the fire site, was heavily affected.

"There are nearly 3,000 residents in Junpat alone, and a similar number in ...