Belagavi Villagers Rally Against Waste Disposal Unit, Minister Pledges Immediate Intervention
Residents from several villages in the Belagavi Rural constituency, including Turamuri, Bachi, Konewadi, Uchgaon, Sulaga, Gojaga, Mannur, Kallehol, and Ambevadi, submitted a formal memorandum to Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar on Monday. They were protesting vigorously against the operational waste disposal unit located near Turamuri village, which has been causing severe environmental and health hardships in the area.
Villagers Highlight Severe Hardships from Urban Waste Dumping
The villagers articulated that the entire city's waste is being dumped at the Turamuri waste disposal yard, leading to significant pollution and disruption of daily life. They emphasized the urgent need for intervention to shut down the facility permanently, citing unfair burden-shifting from urban to rural communities.
Minister Hebbalkar responded with firm assurances, stating, "I have been with you from the beginning. I am positive about closing the unit and will take up the matter at all levels." She urged the villagers not to worry and promised decisive action to address their grievances comprehensively.
Administrative Steps and Political Criticism
Hebbalkar announced plans to convene a meeting soon with the deputy commissioner and the Belagavi City Corporation commissioner to tackle the issue head-on. She also criticized the lack of support from city representatives, condemning the practice of dumping urban waste in rural areas as highly unacceptable.
Furthermore, the minister advised villagers to submit formal representations to MP Jagadish Shettar, MLAs Abhay Patil and Raju Sait, as well as the mayor and deputy mayor, to amplify their concerns across political channels.
Positive Response from Urban Development Minister
In a proactive move, Hebbalkar contacted Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh via video call to convey the villagers' grievances directly. Suresh responded positively, assuring that necessary steps would be taken to ensure the issue is resolved promptly and that villagers are not inconvenienced further.
This development underscores a growing movement against environmental injustice in rural areas, with local leaders stepping up to advocate for community welfare and sustainable waste management practices.
