Coimbatore Residents Demand End to Illegal Garbage Dumping in Waterway
Residents of Coimbatore have formally petitioned the district administration, raising serious allegations against the Malumichampatti panchayat for dumping garbage in a waterway along the Eachanari–Chettipalayam Road. This illegal activity has sparked significant sanitation and environmental concerns, with locals reporting contamination of water sources and health issues due to persistent fires and foul odors.
Details of the Illegal Dumping Site
According to residents, the dumping occurs in a water channel classified as vaari poramboke, located near a railway gate on the road. A check dam is situated approximately 200 feet from this waterway, but the panchayat has established an unauthorized garbage dumping yard directly within the channel. A resident, A Robert, highlighted that this practice has been ongoing for more than three years, leading to the pollution of water flowing to the check dam and the degradation of groundwater in the surrounding area.
Health and Environmental Impacts
The residents detailed severe consequences of the dumping. The garbage yard catches fire 10 to 15 times annually, producing thick smoke that affects nearby communities and causes respiratory problems. Additionally, they complained about persistent foul odors and a noticeable decline in water quality, which poses risks to both health and the local ecosystem.
Lack of Action Despite Repeated Petitions
Robert stated that despite submitting multiple petitions to the district administration and the chief minister’s special cell over the past three years, no concrete action has been taken to address the issue. V Eswaran, president of the Marumalarchi Makkal Iyakkam, who has also petitioned the district collector, reported that nearly 13 feet of garbage has accumulated across about two acres of the waterway near Zion Nagar, where around 200 families reside.
Call for Immediate Remediation
Eswaran urged authorities to promptly remove the garbage yard from the waterbody and direct the panchayat to identify a proper site for waste disposal. He emphasized the need for management in accordance with solid waste management rules to prevent further environmental damage and protect public health.
Official Response and Future Steps
An official from the Mathukarai union office acknowledged the issue, noting that about five tonnes of garbage are generated daily, with waste from the panchayat being dumped at this site. The official mentioned that, following objections from residents and advice from the district collector, appropriate steps will be taken to resolve the problem, though specific details or timelines were not provided.
