Chennai: Garbage, debris dumped in vacant plots

CHENNAI: Vacant plots are turning into garbage dumping grounds in the city and suburbs with residents as well as construction companies dumping their waste in such places.
 
The proposed dump yards are not being utilised for the collection of waste efficiently, whereas these vacant lands get dumped with waste in many residential localities across the city. Residents complain about the lack of waste management strategies and take to the dumping of waste in the neighbouring areas.

Though the Greater Solid Waste Management Department is working to allocate space for landfills and dumping yards in the suburbs, nothing has changed on the ground. A visit to some localities revealed that the vacant plots in Tambaram, Perambur, Saidapet, Chetpet, Madipakkam, Chitlapakkam and Besant Nagar are more of open dump yards.

“The garbage from the neighbourhood is mostly dumped in the vacant plot next to the Government High School in Chitlapakkam. The foul odour not only makes it difficult for students to study, but one cannot even walk on the road next to it, due to the foul smell,” says S. Priyanka, a resident of the locality.

Many residents from these areas say that the debris from construction places is also discarded off in the vacant plots. People throw off their garbage bags in the empty plots as dustbins are either out of sight or fail their purpose with waste mostly on roads.

Even shops and hotels in the vicinity take advantage of the vacant place and throw the garbage in such places on a regular basis. Sometimes the garbage is even burnt in the vacant plots, which is hazardous to the health of residents. Open defecation in such open spaces makes the problem even worse.

“Open backyards in residential areas in Besant Nagar are used for dumping of garbage by the people. Making it even worse, the place is even used as an open toilet by some, which makes these vacant spaces an eyesore for residents,” says V Chandrashekhar, of Besant Nagar.

Corporation officials blame it on the irresponsible behaviour of residents in these places who make use of vacant places as dump yards. “Pallikaranai, Perungudi, and Kodungaiyur are being used by the corporation to dump garbage. Various other projects are proposed for easy dumping of waste,” said a senior corporation official.

Projects stuck in slow lane
Various projects proposed at dump yards are proceeding at snail’s pace, leading to improper disposal of waste generated across the city.

With an overload of waste generated across the city, Greater Chennai Corporation promised to bring in new projects that will deal with scientific disposal of waste, eco-friendly disposal, and expansion of dump yards. The introduction of new dump yards was also among these planned projects.

Chennai corporation planned to develop two waste-to-energy plants in Perungudi and Kodungaiyur dumping yards last year. The project remains delayed, as the plants are not functional till date.

Corporation officials say that the proposal on the projects has been under discussion with various committees. “We are waiting for environmental clearance for the power generation plants. Already, generation of manure is in the process and we are sure that it will be functional soon,” said an official.

Problems of pollution due to the location of dump yards have been irking the residents of the locality. However, the corporation officials claim that generation of power from garbage will be an eco-friendly method and reduce pollution.

Corporation officials also said that proposal on reusing and recycling of waste that lies in dump yards since years is also undertaken to end the woes of the public.