Citizen Connect: Dumping of garbage on open space raises stink in TNHB Colony of Ayapakkam

Ayapakkkam Main Road connecting Ambattur with Tiruverkadu and Avadi has become one of the busiest stretches, thanks to the good condition of the roads. However, continuous dumping of garbage in a land in front of Angalamman Koil in TNHB Colony has the residents worried.

Ayapakkam Migh Road separates into two roads near vacant plot ahead of Ayapakkam lake. While one stretch, named Ambattur Road, connects Annanur and Avadi via Tonakela camp, the other stretch goes to Tiruverkadu. The land of about an acre is surrounded by houses, shops, pharmacies, post office and also a police booth. There is also an overhead tank to supply water in the locality.

Madhavan, a carpenter and resident of the locality, said that the stretch was earlier a permanent dump yard and was cleaned after several petitions by the residents. “The stretch was used to store the gravels to lay roads. Since half the gravel has been cleared, dumping of waste has begun again, inviting cattle and dogs to feed on them,” he said.

Raghupathy, one of the caretakers of Angalamman temple, said that while garbage is be removed periodically, the persons who used to oversee the work have stopped visiting the spot ever since the election was announced. “Ayapakkam panchayat officials have been approachable and immediately takes action on complaints. We hope they would remove the garbage once the election is over,” he said.

One of the shop owners near the temporary dumping yard, on condition of anonymity, said that converting the area into a park would be the ideal way to keep itgarbage-free. “Along with the lake restoration, officials should also take steps to covert the triangular stretch into a park.”

Ayapakkam panchayat officials were not available for theircomment.