Citizen Connect: Sans garbage bins, Panneer Nagar locals exposed to health risks

The residents of Panneer Nagar in Mogappair East complain that piles of garbage are being dumped on the road and are left uncleared by the sanitary workers on a regular basis. They also claim that the garbage poses a serious health hazard and the road is used by many school students.

“We have urged the civic authorities to clear the garbage on the road, place a dustbin and impose strict penalties on those who litter. However, even after the school authorities have complained, nothing has happened so far and no response has been received from them.” said Hemalatha M, a resident of Panneer Nagar. She also added that students have fallen sick.

“Our kids complain that they are forced to close the windows as it stinks a lot and they feel suffocated. The garbage is also burned sometimes by the residents when it increases in the locality,” she added.

Speaking to DT Next, Sarathy, another resident of Panneer Nagar said that since they do not have a garbage bin in their locality, they dump the garbage in an empty place, adding that the practise has been happening for last one year. “After visiting the Corporation office constantly, a few months ago, officials visited the place and promised to clear the space and keep a garbage bin. However, there is no allocation for solid waste disposal here,” he said.

Locals also complained that stray dogs and cattle eat plastic from piled garbage and scatter them. A few residents said that the issue poses a threat to health and makes the streets look like a mess. “The dumped garbage has not only worsened the locality’s hygiene but has also increased mosquito menace. A foul smell is also emerging from the mound with cattle feeding on it and messing up the area. Many children are hospitalised due to this unhygienic environment. We request officials to act fast and clear the spot as soon as possible,” said Venugopal, another resident.

“The situation becomes worse during rainy season as the waste floats on the water and we are forced to walk on the water,” he added.

When contacted, the Corporation official said, “We have not received any complaints from the residents and sanitary workers are cleaning and collecting the garbage regularly from door to door. We will ensure immediate action is taken soon.”