Cuttack Residents Protest Open Garbage Dumping on Narrow Saanta Sahi Road
In the bustling city of Cuttack, a growing civic crisis has erupted in the Saanta Sahi area, where open dumping of garbage on a narrow road is causing severe distress among residents. The waste pile, strategically located between the high-traffic zones of Dolamundai and Bajrakabati, has become a focal point of public outrage, disrupting daily life for commuters and locals alike.
Sanitation Workers Accused of Regular Dumping
Local residents have leveled serious allegations against sanitation workers from the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), accusing them of routinely discarding waste on the roadside. This practice persists despite the lane's narrow configuration, which is heavily utilized by pedestrians, cyclists, and two-wheeler riders. The accumulation of garbage has not only fostered an unhygienic atmosphere but also sparked fears of disease outbreaks and pervasive foul odors permeating the neighborhood.
Shibangi Mohapatra, a resident of Saanta Sahi, expressed her frustration, stating, "Garbage is dumped here almost every day and it remains unattended for long hours. The road is already narrow, and the waste blocks a portion of it, making it difficult for people to pass through." She highlighted that Saanta Sahi is a prominent residential enclave, home to numerous doctors, professors, bureaucrats, and lawyers, yet it continues to grapple with fundamental cleanliness challenges.
Nighttime Woes and Stray Animal Menace
The situation deteriorates significantly after dark, as stray animals such as dogs and cows scavenge through the garbage, scattering debris across the road. Sujata Rath, another concerned resident, described the scene: "The stench becomes unbearable, and it is embarrassing for residents as this is a prominent locality." This nightly disruption exacerbates the already dire conditions, turning the area into a breeding ground for pests and health hazards.
Repeated Complaints Fall on Deaf Ears
Despite numerous appeals to civic authorities, the problem remains unresolved. Advocate Debasish Das, who lives near the affected road, revealed, "Repeated complaints have been made to civic authorities, but the problem persists. We have requested the authorities to stop dumping waste on the road and arrange proper collection, but there has been no permanent solution so far." This lack of action has fueled resentment among the community, who feel neglected by the very institutions tasked with their welfare.
CMC Mayor Responds with Promises
When contacted, CMC Mayor Subhash Singh acknowledged the issue, stating, "I have asked the sanitation officials to verify the matter. If garbage is being dumped on the road, immediate steps will be taken to clear it and ensure proper waste management in the area." However, residents remain skeptical, urging the civic body to implement urgent and lasting measures to curb roadside dumping and uphold cleanliness standards.
The ongoing crisis in Saanta Sahi underscores broader systemic failures in urban waste management, calling for immediate intervention to protect public health and restore dignity to this esteemed residential pocket.
