Citizen Connect: Empty and unoccupied private plots in Pallavaram turn into dump yards

“The garbage that is dumped can cause fire breakouts in summer. These plots are covered by thick bushes along with heaps of garbage. If a fire breaks out here, it can quickly spread to nearby electric posts. It poses an imminent danger to the residents of the area,” R Narayanan, president of Nethaji Nagar Welfare Association, said.

The abandoned plots with overgrown vegetation and stagnation of water is a common sight in the neighbourhood -- MGR Nagar, Anakaputhur, Nemilcherry and Tiruneeramali.

“There are a few private plots which lack proper care and the residents bear the brunt. In a few instances, sewage is being directly let into the vacant plots. This aids as a breeding ground for mosquitoes and insects, further instigating the problems faced by the residents,” said another resident, Ashok Kumar.

The residents are clueless as to whom the issue should be reported to. “We urged the local body to take up the issue. However, they said that authorities have no power over these private plots. There are a few abandoned plots which are embroiled in legal cases. With the dispute in court, no one is authorised to take up responsibilities,” Ranganathan, a resident of Pozhichalur, said.

The sanitary workers occasionally burn waste in these plots, which further accentuates the concern of the residents here. “We close our windows and doors when they burn garbage. We have requested them several times to not indulge in such acts. Yet, they continue to do so.”

The Pallavaram Municipality officials did not respond when contacted.