Residents of a prominent gated community in Kolkata's New Town are up in arms against the rampant and illegal dumping of hazardous construction waste on vacant land adjoining their complex. The issue, which has been escalating for months, has now reached a critical point, prompting a public protest and official complaints.
Residents Stage Protest March Against Night-to-Day Dumping
The situation came to a head last week when the residents of Greenwood Elements housing complex in New Town Action Area II organized a protest march. They are fighting against the systematic disposal of massive quantities of construction sludge right at their doorstep. According to Neelratan Saha, a resident, contractors have been illegally dumping this sludge, which is a dangerous mix of piled waste, cement, metal residues, and other harmful chemicals, on the boundaries of their community.
"Initially, this activity was carried out under the cover of darkness to avoid detection," Saha explained. "However, with a perceived lack of resistance, the dumpers have grown brazen. Now, two to three tankers arrive daily in broad daylight to unload this toxic material." This shift from covert nighttime operations to open daytime dumping highlights the escalating audacity of those involved.
Alarming Environmental and Health Hazards Mount
The consequences of this continuous dumping are severe and multi-faceted. Residents report that the rising level of sludge has reached an alarming stage. The environmental pollution is palpable, but the direct threats are even more concerning. Seepage from the massive waste piles has already begun to infiltrate inside the boundary walls of the residential complex.
Furthermore, the drainage lines are getting clogged with mud and waste, posing a serious risk of waterlogging and infrastructure damage. The presence of cement and chemical residues in the sludge transforms it from mere inert debris into a potential public health concern, threatening the well-being of families, including children and the elderly, living in the vicinity.
Official Complaints Filed, Authorities Respond
Faced with this growing crisis, the residents have taken formal steps to seek intervention. They have submitted a detailed complaint to the New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA), the primary planning and regulatory body for the area. A parallel complaint has also been lodged at the Eco Park police station to address the legal and criminal aspects of the illegal dumping.
Officials from NKDA have acknowledged the issue and stated that a few trucks involved in the activity have already been apprehended. The police have also been informed about the ongoing situation. The response from the authorities indicates recognition of the problem, but residents await a permanent solution to stop the dumping and remediate the already damaged land.
The protest by Greenwood Elements residents underscores a larger battle against environmental negligence in rapidly developing urban areas. It serves as a call to action for stronger surveillance and stricter enforcement of waste disposal laws to protect residential neighborhoods from becoming dumping grounds for industrial and construction waste.
