CHENNAI: Residents of Sathiyamoorthy Nagar in Kathirvedu, off the Surapet Service Road, have complained of prolonged garbage accumulation in the locality, alleging that indiscriminate dumping has created unhygienic conditions and poses a threat to the nearby Korattur lake canal.
Large quantities of household waste, plastic and other refuse have been dumped at a vacant site, resulting in a persistent foul smell and raising concerns over public health.
Residents alleged that sanitation vehicles of the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) also dump garbage at the location in the morning and night. The garbage heap has led to an increase in flies and mosquitoes, while stray cattle and dogs scatter the waste across the road, worsening sanitation in the neighbourhood.
“Garbage frequently enters the Korattur lake canal, polluting the waterbody and undermining conservation efforts. The foul smell has become unbearable,” lamented Ananthi, a resident. “Some people set fire to the waste, and the smoke is a health hazard. Since we have kids at home, we’re forced to keep our doors and windows closed most of the time. Despite submitting several complaints to the Corporation, no permanent solution has been provided. Warning boards should be installed, and the site must be secured to prevent further dumping.”
Another resident, Ebinezer, alleged that cleanliness workers dump garbage near the Korattur lake canal. “This is severely affecting the waterbody and the surrounding environment. Families living nearby are suffering due to the foul smell. The Corporation should immediately stop this practice and identify an alternative location for garbage disposal,” he opined.
Responding to the allegations, a cleanliness inspector said all garbage dumped at the site is cleared by 8 am every day. “The civic body found residents and construction workers had been illegally dumping waste at the site after 11 pm over the past week. Action has already been initiated against the offenders,” added the official.
On the allegation that cleanliness workers themselves were dumping garbage at the site, the official said: “An inquiry will be conducted and strict action will be taken if the charges were found to be true.”
The sanitary inspector also assured residents that all accumulated garbage in the area would be removed by Monday and that immediate measures would be taken to restore cleanliness.