Chennai Residents Demand Urgent Action on Waste Dumping Crisis
Residents in Chennai are raising serious concerns about continuous waste dumping along a key stretch of road. The problem has persisted for many months without any effective solution from local authorities.
Waste Accumulation Along Mappedu-Vengambakkam Road
For several months now, people have been dumping various types of waste along the two-kilometer Mappedu-Vengambakkam stretch. This waste includes plastic materials and meat scraps. The dumping occurs regularly despite complaints from local residents.
More than five thousand people live in areas near this affected road. These residents include pedestrians, motorists, and schoolchildren who use the road daily. The situation has become particularly concerning because at least forty cattle and stray dogs regularly feed on the rubbish. This behavior increases the risk of disease outbreaks in the community.
Threat to Agaramthen Lake and Public Health
The dumping site falls within the limits of Agaramthen village panchayat. Residents have pointed out that waste gets dumped very close to an inlet channel of Agaramthen lake. Local people fear that if authorities do not address this issue immediately, it could lead to serious pollution of the lake water.
C Subramani, a resident of Mappedu, revealed another disturbing practice. He said panchayat officials often burn the accumulated waste. "This burning creates toxic smoke that affects our community," Subramani explained. "We have more than five hundred children living nearby who play outdoors regularly. The smoke contains harmful substances from plastic, rotten meat, and vegetable waste."
Health Experts Warn About Burning Hazards
Darwin Annadurai, founder of the NGO Eco Society of India, highlighted the specific health risks associated with burning garbage. "When people burn plastic and other waste materials, they release sulphur dioxide into the air," Annadurai stated. "This is a toxic gas that poses serious health threats."
The environmental expert explained the consequences of exposure. "Short-term exposure to this smoke causes irritation, coughing, and cold-like symptoms. Long-term exposure can lead to more severe conditions including acute bronchitis and even lung cancer in some cases."
Residents Seek Solutions Through Multiple Channels
Local residents have repeatedly requested door-to-door waste collection services for their locality. They believe this systematic approach would prevent roadside dumping. However, their complaints to local councillors and the block development officer have not produced any meaningful results so far.
B Santhanam, president of the Mappedu residents' welfare association, has taken the matter to higher authorities. "I approached the High Court regarding this garbage dumping problem," Santhanam said. "My petition addresses both the waste disposal issue and the encroachment of one and a half acres of wasteland near the road."
The community continues to push for immediate action to protect both public health and the local environment. Residents emphasize that the current situation cannot continue without serious consequences for people and the ecosystem.
