Public urination, overflowing garbage bin raise a stink near Choolai Corpn school

Uncleared garbage around a bin and slush oozing out of it on Avadhana Papaya Road in Choolai is putting school students at the risk of health hazards, as the garbage bin is placed very close to Chennai Corporation Middle School.

Residents pointed out that there are two Chennai Corporation Middle Schools on Avadhana Papaya Road and the one located near the Permabur Barracks Road junction is affected by the unhygienic surrounding. “There is also a public toilet near the school and the garbage bin has been placed near its wall. Without even considering the school, some persons tend to urinate near thegarbage bin during night. Placing a school and a public toilet close by is a bad idea. The garbage bin adds to the woes,” the resident said.

When DT Next visited the spot, the stench was unbearable with flies around the garbage and slush. Moreover, several cars were seen parked near the gate, almost blocking the school gate. A few meters away from the garbage bin and close to the school compound wall, a man was seen setting fire to a small heap of garbage. “No one considers there is a school nearby,” the resident added.

Meanwhile, a parent on the condition of anonymity said that his son always complains about the bad smell entering the classroom.

“Corporation officials should remove the garbage from theproximity of the school and place it elsewhere without affecting residents. If the is bin removed, residents would not dump garbage or urinate there,” he added.

Adding to the residents’ ire, the damaged road breaks riders’ back. “The road was recently dug for undertaking some works. Apart from the damage due to civic works,there are several potholeson the road. Officials should repair the road before the onset of monsoon,” S Vimal, a motorist, said.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that the civic body has undertaken Rs 200 crore project to renovate and add more aesthetic appeal to school buildings. “The officials should also find a solution to replace garbage bins that are mostly placed near schools,” he urged.

When contacted, a Chennai Corporation official assured that he would direct conservancy workersto properly clean the garbage bin. “We will also find a solution for the problem,” he added.