Chennai
Asha Henderson, a resident of Jasmine Court, an apartment complex in the locality, recounts a burning sensation in the eyes, each time the mound of trash is lit up. She says, “Earlier, it used to be during the night, but of late, the garbage pile is lit up even during the day time. It becomes extremely difficult to keep our windows open.”
Asha adds that after their efforts to find those behind the fire failed, a group of residents had filed a complaint in the local police station, but with little effect. “Among many other woes in the locality—including lack of streetlight, storm water drains, and uncleared garbage –the fire at the site is another issue,” she says.
Residents also add that they had written to the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, seeking their intervention. “We had even written to the TNPCB, but there has been no response so far,” Asha says.
There are more than 400 families affected by the garbage being burnt, according to the residents. PP Naidu, president of Jasmine Court Owners Association, says,
“The spot is right next to an apartment complex called Jamals. Depending on the direction of the wind, residents of buildings located on the main road are going to be affected. The scary part is there is no segregation of the trash and even plastic waste is burnt,” he says.
The residents add that speaking to the ragpickers in the locality, they have learnt that the heap is set on fire early in the morning. “Since we aren’t receiving any response, we believe the burning is being done with tacit support of the authorities,” says Asha.
She adds, “It is extremely convenient to dump and burn garbage in an area that no one wants to take responsibility for. We have decided to escalate the issue to the higher authorities.”
When contacted, a Greater Chennai Corporation official told DT Next that the area was under Poonamallee Municipality. Despite several attempts to contact authorities at the local body regarding the issue, there was no response.
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