Citizen Connect: Overflowing garbage bins, stray dogs and cattle irk residents of Kolathur GKM Colony

For the residents and traders of Jambulingam Main Road at General Kumaramangalam (GKM) Colony in Kolathur, garbage overflowing from the bins kept at street corners has become a common sight. The tardy clearance of garbage also gives rise to risk of health hazard at several places in the locality.

S Saroja, a resident of Thiru Vi Ka Street complained that despite the presence of a garbage bin nearby, waste is being dumped at the junction of Thiru Vi Ka Street and Jambulingam Main Road as the bin is always full. “Sometimes, it becomes impossible to keep our doors and windows open even during the daytime,” Saroja said.

Apart from stench, overflowing bins are also becoming breeding sites for flies. “The area opposite to the crematorium on Jambulingam Road has been converted into a local garbage dump. Garbage occupies a major portion of the road, causing inconvenience to commuters and those going out for morning walks,” K Saravanan, a resident of the GKM Colony said.

In most of the areas, people put waste in plastic covers and throw it near the dustbins. As a result, an unbearable stench fills the area, making it unbearable to even pass by.

“Our area has dozens of stray dogs which thrive solely on the garbage in and around the bins. We are scared when passing near the bins, as one can always spot at least five to six dogs squabbling over trash,” said Saravanan.

Besides, free-ranging cattle add to the woes of the pedestrians and motorists on the busy Jambulingam Main Road. “One can find bulls roaming freely and feeding on the remnants from the dustbins. Stringent action should be taken against those littering, and the Corporation should step up conservancy efforts. Cattle owners and businesses using cattle for carrying goods should be pulled up for allowing them to stray,” Silambarasan, a trader said.

A Greater Chennai Corporation official said that necessary conservancy and sanitary works were being carried out, with workers cleaning the area in the morning and night hours regularly. “We will direct the sanitary workers to clear the garbage dumped on the road and overflowing bins,” said the official.