Open plots turn dump yards

Hema Nagar: Negligence from civic bodies reached another low here as residents reported living in constant stink, thanks to the open plots that turned dump yards. The ignorance of the GHMC Sanitation Department to maintain the cleanliness is posing major threats on health to the residents for the past 15 years.

Complaining about the situation, Kiran, a homemaker from the area said, “The worst part is that most of these lands are located right next to residential areas. And when people dump garbage, it becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which has become the biggest menace here.”

Another resident, Rahul added, “Pigs and other insects like scorpion, and sometimes even snakes roam freely here; it’s dangerous to leave our homes after 5pm.”

The concern for the area’s sanitation is
shared by the residents, who made efforts in ensuring the plots’ cleanliness. However, it seems that there is no record of who owns the lands.

Mohan, a software company employee said, “Had these lands been fenced by the owners, nobody would throw garbage in it. Moreover, sanitation department workers don’t come regularly. We do not know whom these lands belong to. We tried enquiring from the GHMC and they said that the subject is not of their concern.”

The lands and their maintenance falls under the jurisdiction of the Industrial Land Association (ILA).

When contacted, Swapna, Commissioner of ILA was clueless about the misuse of the plots. “Yes, the area comes under our jurisdiction and the land also belongs to us, but I really do not have any idea the plots you are talking about.”

“Let me consider the matter and if there is anything wrong happening, we will get it corrected as soon as possible,” she promised.