Locals demand steps to curb illegal dumping

Patancheru: The locals living near the International Crops Research Institute for the semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT),Patancheru, near NH65, has been demanding the GHMC to take action against illegal dumping in the area, as the waste poses a threat to residents.

Locals allege that both private as well as GHMC dump trucks are seen dumping garbage on the roadside which is a pending issue for the last couple of years.

The locals are also alleging that the Zonal Commissioner had failed to keep her promise made when she visited, along with her team, and inspected the area on September 27. The ZC in her tweet after investigating the area mentioned "Area was investigated today. Alternate arrangements are being made. The problem will be resolved soon."

However, even after the inspection, the dumping continuesunabatedly, and in fact it has increased now, said the locals. Explaining the reasons for delay, Harichandana Dasari, GHMC Zonal Commissioner west zone, said, "We are building a transfer station in the industrial area away from the localities which will take a few more days, once it is done all the illegal dumping will be stopped."

"All the auto fillers are making a ruckus as they don't want to dump at the transfer station.Dumping here is more convenient and near to them. We are in talks with them and asking them to dump at the transfer station if not then the GHMC will have to seize the vehicles," added Harichandana.

However, the GHMC staff are imposing fineson locals and commuters for littering and dumping on the road. Mohammed Sameeuddin, a resident said, "Trucks are coming all day, in the afternoon the dump trucks come in large number and dump the garbage here and go. Many times, we have stopped them from dumping, but they say it is official orders that we have to follow."

On one hand, the GHMC staff was ignoring the large-scale dumping of garbageby their workers on other they were collecting hefty fines from locals and commuters which was wrong. The foul smell emanating from garbage is affecting the passersby who have to cover their noses. Besides the foul smell, the locals have to tackle mosquitoes, pigs and strays."