Citizen connect: Garbage bins overflow, but plaints of Kamaraj Street residents in Chengalpattu fall on deaf ears

According to the people here, waste is overflowing from the bin and strewn all around it, due to which passers-by are forced to cover their noses while crossing the area. “There is an awful feeling while passing through the area, with the garbage bin overflowing. It is strewn all over the road, raising concerns among the residents in the neighbourhood as it also poses threat to our health. We are worried about the new viral infections that are spreading in the recent days,” said Sembagaraj K, a resident of Kamaraj street.

The trouble is because sanitary workers come only once in two weeks or even once a month to collect garbage. The residents tried complaining to the municipality but their attempts have all been in vain till now. Raising even more serious allegation, the residents said the officials even cut the call as soon as they realise it is regarding this issue. “If we try calling them again, they do not pick up. We are tired of complaining to them. Even if we raise complaints in person, they do not take any steps to clean the garbage,” added Sembagaraj.

“Just having a garbage bin is not enough; it should be cleared on time. Apart from the stink it emits throughout the day, the bin also offers a feast to animals.” said Vijaykumar, another resident of Kamaraj Street. He added that the sanitary workers do not clear the garbage on the road. The workers ignore their pleas to clean the garbage regularly, the resident said. As a result of this problem they are facing, the otherwise welcoming neighbourhood is a nightmare for the people living here. Residents living in close proximity to the garbage bin added that they are compelled to close their doors and windows to avoid the stench from entering their houses.

However, despite all residents who spoke to this newspaper said the civic body has not taken any effort to resolve the issue, a senior official of Chengalpattu municipality claimed that they have not received any complaints regarding garbage in the area. He added that steps would be taken immediately if they get complaints from the residents.