The continued use of the landfill at Theetukkal here by civic bodies to dump waste has led to the fear of health hazards among the people living in nearby areas.
Located less than three km from the Ooty Lake, the landfill not only poses a health risk to more than 50 families living in the area, but also draws a variety of wildlife, including deer and Indian gaur. Even some carnivores look to feast on the carcass of dead cattle and horses dumped at the site.
Local resident N. Rajendran says that apart from the stench, the houses of people living close to the dumpyard get swarmed by flies and mosquitoes when it rains. Adding further agony, the mounds of garbage are set on fire, and the smoke causes respiratory problems in the residents, especially children and the elderly.
“We have been trying to get the district administration to shift the site, but there absolutely nothing is being done,” said Raja Ganeshan, another resident.
In November, last year, the National Green Tribunal had passed an order calling for the Theetukkal dumpyard to be closed down, and for the site to be handed over to the forest department from whom it has been leased.
However, a visit to the landfill site revealed that biodegradable waste continues to be dumped by civic bodies across the Nilgiris.
“Not only do the municipalities dispose of their waste, people also dispose of the carcasses of horses and cattle here. The dump yard poses a huge risk to residents. Vegetables grown adjacent to the dump yard are at risk of contamination from the run-off from the landfill site,” said M. Bharath, a farmhand working in the area.
Responding to locals’ concern, Udhagamandalam Municipality officials say work is on to put up six micro-composting centres that can handle the quantity of waste being generated in Udhagamandalam Municipal limits. “We have already begun segregating plastic waste, and are one of the most efficient municipalities at doing so, ensuring that non-biodegradable waste does not make it to the landfill,” said an official, adding that the ultimate plan of the municipality and the district administration was to completely shut down the landfill site.