Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (DV)
Udupi, Feb 27: Though Udupi district is a role model in Karnataka for scientific disposal of dry and wet wastes, open sites, isolated places and roadsides have become dumping yards of wastes. Due to lack of administrative willpower and public cooperation, the district is yet to be free from problems pertaining to disposal of wastes.
Though the Udupi municipal council has given priority to scientific disposal of solid wastes and wet wastes, it has failed in its implementation resulting in indiscriminate dumping of wastes on the roadsides.
Wastes are seen dumped on roads from Nittur to Balaipade on NH 66. Even the solid wastes are seen scattered on open sites along Malpe-Manipal road on the National Highway NH 66'Á'.
Plastic bags, wet wastes generated from houses, electronics wastes, waste clothing and used home appliances are seen dumped in open sites.
Plastic wastes are creating problems for smooth flow of traffic. Stray dogs and cattle drag these wastes onto the roads making it difficult for pedestrians and motorists as road users are also forced to close their noses due to the foul smell emanating from it.
Rivers, ponds, and rivulets are filled with plastic wastes. As drains are filled with plastic wastes it restrains the free flow of rainwater resulting in artificial flooding of the roads and localities.
As plastic wastes are being dumped into the Idrani and Kalmadi rivulets it has become a major problem in disposing them. Plastic wastes are also posing a risk to stray dogs and cattle which feed on the leftovers in the dumped wastes.
Problem in Brahmavar
Though Brahmavar has been declared a taluk, no proper solution has been evolved to manage the drainage system and wastes effectively. Though Aaradi, Varamballi, Handadi and Chantharu have been delimited to Brahmavar town, SLMR units do not effectively function and wastes get accumulated on road sides and drains.
Waste are seen accumulated in the drains from Nirala School to Barani Petrol bunk and also Gandhi Maidan and Akashvani have become waste dumping spots. As multi-storey buildings are coming up under the limits of Chantharu gram panchayat no proper measures have been taken to dispose plastic wastes and other dry wastes, as they are found in abundance on Brahmavar-Hebri road. The educated citizens are also dumping wastes on roadsides. Cases of malaria and dengue are on the rise.
Locals have opposed the establishment of an MRF unit to dispose of waste. As a result, wastes are getting accumulated under the limits of the Arady gram panchayat. Though the Brahmavar town is witnessing growth and development, disposal of wastes has continued to dog the authorities and the citizens. Though a signboard has been put up in Chantharu gram panchayat the public and the authorities have turned a blind eye to them. Despite a CCTV camera being installed on the Mabukala bridge, wastes continued to get dumped on both sides of the road.
Strict action should be taken against those dumping wastes on the road. SLMR units need to be managed without creating any problems for the locals, say the public.
Though wet and dry wastes are collected in a scientific way, the problem of their disposal has not been addressed effectively. Public and tourists are seen throwing liquor bottles on the road. Several roads in Hebri are being used to dump wastes. Wastes are being dumped on the roadsides of First Grade College. Wastes are found littered on the roadside of Karkala and Hebri has a dumping yard from which a foul smell emanates.
Uday Shetty, town municipal council president said, "After identifying the dumping spot (Black Spot), Town Municipal Council has converted it into small parks. Town Municipal Council should take stern action and impose fines against violators. People should be sensitised on cleanliness. The wastes should be scientifically disposed of. Public should use bags made of cotton to dispose of the wastes.
Why plastics pose a danger
Though single-use plastic is banned completely, use of plastic has not been stopped completely. Plastic bags are being used in markets and retail shops. Milk, and vegetables are sold in plastic bags. If the town municipal council levy fines the use of plastics can be reduced, the public say.