Citizen Connect: Uncleared garbage raises a stink on Ayapakkam fourth main road

Though Villivakkam panchayat union officials have placed three bins on the stretch, residents are unable to put the waste into them as the spilled-over garbage obstruct them from reaching the bins. “If the trucks to collect the waste from bins do not come for even one day, the cattle reared in the locality feed on the waste and spread the plastic waste across the road,” said a resident.

As the bins are placed in the residential area, the stench emanating from the waste is unbearable to the dwellers nearby. Also, it has created a conducive atmosphere for the breeding of mosquitoes and bees. What is worse is that the common tap through which water is supplied in the locality by the panchayat union is right in front of the spot where the garbage is dumped and residents have to bear with the foul smell and mosquito bites to fetch water for their daily household needs.

Residents also blame the dwellers in the nearby areas and cattle owners for the garbage menace. “For the entire Ayapakkam, this spot has become an unofficial dump yard. And they throw the waste at night to avoid getting caught. Motorists also throw garbage here while passing by. And we do not know where these cattle come from and who own them. They spend most of the day here blocking the road and feed on the waste, mostly plastic. I do not know how healthy the milk from these cows is. Also, government officials keep checking our houses whether we have kept it clean to prevent mosquito breeding, but turn a blind eye towards failures at their end,” said Kamatchi, a resident.

When contacted, Block Development Officer T Mohan blamed the residents for their plight. “We have been implementing source-segregation of waste and collect garbage from each house. However, they dump the waste mixed with plastic in the bins. We have plans to install CCTV cameras across the area and fine those who dump waste without segregating them,” said the BDO and assured that the garbage will be cleared soon.