Stench from Pachanady dumpyard makes residents' lives miserable

Mangalore, Aug 7: As per the ritual every year, residents near Pachanady dumping yard continued to cover their noses with towels this year as well. Continuous foul smell emanating from the dumping yard spoiled the daily routine of residents of Santhosh Nagar and Pachanady this month.

It is learnt that since two months, the waste generated in the compost plant opposite the dumping yard at Pachanady has not been decomposed. Since there was heavy downpour of rain, water stored in compost bins and storage of wet waste for long durations caused an unbearable stench. Negligence of Mangalore City Corporation for a long time in taking alternation measures to clear the plant and avoid the stink has irked public here. Residents of the region started protesting against the MCC and demanding for a clean environment.

“Since waste management is not being done properly, the stink has spread to every house in Santhosh Nagar, Basavalingappa Nagar, Pachanady and nearby areas. Waste is spread all over the road as MCC vehicles carry waste in open-cabin vehicles and even medical waste falls on the roads. The compost plant is filled with rain water and the wet waste is stinking. This has spoiled the health of many and we have to endure it by covering our noses”, said Sudhakar, a resident of Pachanady.

Speaking to Coastaldigest.com, councillor Kavita Sanil who joined residents here said, “MCC is not taking care in waste management and the waste water stored inside the compost plant gives out a foul smell. The company which has taken the contract has to clear the waste water stored in tanks but so far it has not been done. Waste water flows outside the yard and joins water wells and agriculture land nearby”, she complained.

Each time, people receive assurances and promises, but no action to clear the waste water has been taken so far. Every day, the water and the area are being polluted, while the landfill method has also failed here. MCC has to build high compound walls, waste water storage tank and green plantation around the yard to avoid foul smell. Until these things are done, the stink cannot be stopped and people will continue protesting, said Kavita Sanil.