Silt, plastic dug out from drain dumped on road

Mysuru: For weeks together, residents of Vidyaranyapuram and Chamundipuram has been complaining of clogged drains in their localities, and the foul smell emanating from them. Repeated pleas by the residents prompted Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) to take note of this serious issue, and the drains were promptly cleared a few days ago. However, the agency appears to have left a new problem in the place of the old one. The silt, plastic and other debris that was excavated from the drains have been dumped on the road, leaving a mess that has left the residents miffed with the lack of planning that has gone into the exercise. On the other hand, MCC officials have assured the residents of clearing the mess.
Residents of the two localities said that the drains had been clogged for long, and consequently, turned into a breeding ground for mosquitoes. “It was only after we made several representations to the MCC that they desilted the drains, and cleared them of waste. Now, they have dumped all of this on the road, which is causing more problems for us,” said a resident.

Rameshwar Jain, a resident of Chamundipuram, said that the trash that is dug out of the drains must ideally be transported to waste processing units. “Instead, they have dumped it on the road. The whole area is stinking as a result,” Jain said.

The massive amount of plastic found in the drains pointed to the rampancy of its use. “It is sad to see that despite sale of plastic being banned in the city, the substance is still being used widely by the people,” said Vidyashri, a student.

An MCC official told TOI that he was not aware of the silt and other debris dug out of the drains having been dumped on the road. “If this is the case, we will take immediate action and ensure the garbage is removed,” he added.