Complete barricading at Pipli dumping site yet to be done; visitors at zoo complain of bad smell

KURUKSHETRA: The dumping site of Thanesar Municipal Council (MC) on Bajidpur village land near Pipli sharing its boundary wall with Pipli zoo is yet to be barricaded completely despite the orders of Kurukshetra deputy commissioner (DC) Dhirendra Khadgata dated February 17, 2020.
As per the information, the visitors and tourists visiting Pipli zoo are regularly complaining of bad smell from the dumping site as unprocessed and hazardous garbage of Thanesar MC is being dumped here in the open space which is polluting the surroundings.
The forest and wildlife department officials managing the Pipli zoo had around 4 months ago written to Kurukshetra DC and Thanesar MC to shift the dumping site to some other place as it is polluting the area near forest complex and the zoo.
The forest officials told the Pipli zoo is spread in around 27 acres and the forest complex in around 10 acres and this dumping is pollution the air in this green zone.
Inspector Tejbir Singh of the forest department who remains on duty in Pipli zoo said, “Nearly 4 months ago, we had highlighted this matter of dumping site with our higher officials and had also gave written representations to Kurukshetra DC and Thanesar MC to shift this site from here. But till date, no action has been taken in this regard. We regularly receive complains from the visitors of foul smell inside the zoo premises and there is always a threat of infection to the animals kept inside the zoo due to pollution and insects flying from there.”
As per the information, on February 17, 2020, Kurukshetra DC Khadgata had instructed the concerned officials to ensure barricading around the Pipli dumping site along with evacuating the Mathana dumping site.
During a visit at Pipli dumping site by TOI, it came to light, that around 10% portion of the Pipli dumping site towards its front on the National Highway 44 (GT Road) side has been barricaded while the remaining is yet to be done.
When contacted Kurukshetra district forest officer (DFO), Virender Singh Gill said, “The matter of this dumping site is in our knowledge and on our request, Kurukshetra DC had also visited the site and they are working to shift this from here. This land was given by panchayat to the Thanesar MC. This dumping site should not be here and it is also against the norms of the NGT as it is just 50 meters away from the national highway and near the forest area.”
Kurukshetra DC Dhirendra Khadgata said, “I will ensure complete barricading of Pipli dumping site which is being shifted from its location. We are floating a proposal for shifting this site and if any panchayat offers land this will be shifted there. I am aware about the complaints of foul smell from Pipli zoo and I have also visited the location and we are trying to shift it.”
Bajidpur village sarpanch Balkar Singh said, "Some time ago, this land was given to a private firm on the request of Thanesar MC and they had assured that they will not pollute the area but the same has been done. This land belonged to me and it was sold to the company."