Citizen Connect: Uncleared garbage and unattended cattle pose threat to Avadi residents

Waste management is one of the basic but important functions of any governing body. But it looks like officials in Avadi, the headquarters of newly-formed corporation, is not taking it seriously as rotting waste blocking ways has become a common sight even at important roads and junctions.

In the photos shared by the residents with DT Next, the garbage bins on the sixty-feet road, one of the major roads beside the Corporation office connecting several residential colonies in the locality, have been placed in the middle of the road, blocking the path for motorists and pedestrians. In another photo, cattle could be seen feeding on the waste making the road inaccessible for people.

When contacted, Muralikanth, who runs a photo studio on the street, said that his business is affected due to the stink spreading from the uncleared garbage. “Recently, a three-year-old child who was sitting in front of a two-wheeler ridden by his father sustained injuries as the two-wheeler skidded on wet waste spilled onto the road. I gave her first aid and sent both of them to a hospital,” he said.

According to him, the conservancy workers who have been employed on a contract basis were not given salary for the last two months, which led to the poor state of solid waste management in Avadi. “Earlier, the garbage would be cleared at least twice a week. But for the past one month, no conservancy workers could be seen and officials at Avadi Corporation Office have not been responsive to our grievances,” he said.

Ganeshkumar, another resident of Avadi, said that even medical waste is being dumped on the roadside without any concern for the safety of dwellers. “If the Corporation officials do not act swiftly, the outbreak of epidemics is imminent,” said Ganeshkumar. Avadi Corporation officials were not available for their comment.