Coimbatore Panchayat Slaps Rs 10,000 Fine on Truck for Illegal Garbage Dumping and Burning
In a decisive move against environmental violations, the Pattanam panchayat in Coimbatore district has imposed a substantial fine of Rs 10,000 on a private truck for illegally dumping and burning garbage along Kadukuttai Road within its jurisdiction on Sunday. This action underscores growing concerns over sanitation and waste management in the region.
Incident Details and Immediate Response
According to officials, the private truck had transported plastic and other waste materials from Avarampalayam, an area falling under the Coimbatore city corporation limits. Exploiting the village's isolated stretch with minimal public movement, the waste was not only dumped but also set on fire, posing significant health and environmental risks.
Alert locals who witnessed the incident promptly notified the panchayat administration. In response, panchayat secretary S Saravanakumar, accompanied by members of the public, swiftly reached the spot and intercepted the vehicle. The dumped waste was subsequently reloaded onto the same truck for proper disposal. As the garbage originated from corporation limits, the incident was formally reported to city corporation authorities to ensure coordinated action.
Background on Pattanam Panchayat
Pattanam village panchayat, which falls under Sulur taluk in Coimbatore district, comprises three villages: Pattanam, Pattanam Pudur, and Nagammanayakanpalayam. This panchayat, consisting of 12 wards, has a population of approximately 38,000 residents. Villagers have raised alarms about both biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste being dumped without segregation at multiple locations across the panchayat, leading to escalating sanitation concerns.
Ongoing Sanitation Challenges and Preventive Measures
Residents have lodged complaints regarding the indiscriminate dumping of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste in open areas, prompting authorities to identify two locations as hotspots frequently used by outsiders for illegal garbage disposal. In a proactive step, efforts are underway to install CCTV cameras in these areas to monitor and prevent such violations effectively.
Sulur panchayat union block development officer R Muthuraju emphasized the seriousness of the issue, stating, "Following complaints from residents about indiscriminate dumping of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste in open areas, two locations have been identified as hotspots that are being used by outsiders for illegal garbage dumping. Efforts are under way to install CCTV cameras in these areas to prevent such violations. Steps have also been taken to ensure segregation of waste and to prevent garbage from being dumped indiscriminately on open lands."
He further issued a stern warning, indicating that strict action will be taken against anyone found dumping plastic or other waste within the panchayat limits, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining cleanliness and environmental safety.
