Citizen connect: Vinayagapuram residents drain sewage, dump waste into private plot

Ever since the Greater Chennai Corporation regularised the collection of garbage and asked residents to source segregate the waste as biodegradable and non-degradable, residents, instead of giving waste to conservancy workers, dump them in places wherever they find it convenient. However, it affects the people living next to these unauthoriseddump yards.

Kesav Moorthy of 13th Street, Sri Venkatasai Nagar, Subban Nagar at Puthagaram in Vinayagapuram is one of the affected residents. “The land adjacent to my house has become a convenient dump yard for a few residents. They also let wastewater drain into the land. Even as the entire plot has become a sewage sludge, they also throw all wastes, including leftover food, plastic covers and used clothes, making it a hotbed for mosquito breeding and rats,” he said.

Sri Venkatasai Nagar is located between two major bypass roads and is surrounded by three lakes – Puzhal, Retteri and Korattur. It is one of the well-developed residential colonies with residents having access to their needs.

Another resident, on the condition of anonymity, said that the place stinks while passing by and poses a risk of spreading diseases. “We do not know the actual owner of the plot and we can’t ask those misusing the space to stop as it will lead to unnecessary quarrels. We informed the Corporation officials but they did not seem to bother about it since it is a private property. But the authorities concerned should ensure that the sewage water is not let out in the open and garbage is not dumped,” said the resident.

When contacted, Ambattur zone officials said that the area falls under ward 83 and added that authorities concerned would be sent to study the place to take necessary steps.

However, the area Assistant Engineer was not available for comment.