A vacant land near Chinna Puliyangulam Kanmai on New Natham Road has become a site for regular garbage dumping, prompting complaints from residents of surrounding areas. The issue, according to locals, has been persisting for over a year.
S. Kanagaraj, a resident of the area, said, 鈥淭he Corporation has outsourced the waste collection to a private company. The garbage collected from wards 5, 13, and 14 is being dumped at this location.鈥
He said that the problem has led to foul odour affecting nearby residential areas and apartments including Kurinji Nagar and Palanisamy Nagar.
鈥淲alkers in the nearby park are affected by the smell and potential health hazards,鈥 he noted.
Though the residents have filed a complaint with Madurai Corporation, residents said the response has been inadequate.
鈥淥fficials said the complaint has been forwarded to the authority concerned, but they did not provide information on whom to contact,鈥 said Mr. Kanagaraj.
Mr. Kanagaraj observed that the Corporation, which is responsible for maintaining cleanliness, is itself contributing to the problem.
P. Sivaraj, secretary of the Palanisamy Nagar Residents Welfare Association of ward 15, said that the situation has worsened over time.
鈥淚nitially, there were garbage bins, but that practice was stopped. Now the garbage is being dumped directly on the land. Though the location is in ward 13, people in ward 15 are affected too,鈥 he said.
Selva Kumar, Sanitation Inspector of ward 13, said that this was being done to enable segregation and added that workers have been instructed to remove the waste daily.
The issue has also been brought to the attention of S. Vasuki, Chairperson of Zone 1. When contacted, she said the delay in transporting waste to the Vellaikkal dump yard was a contributing factor.
鈥淭o avoid delays in collection from residences, this is being done. There is also an issue with battery-driven vehicles used for transportation. I have requested the higher authorities for Light Commercial Vehicles and additional dipper trucks to help address the issue,鈥 she said.