Dumping of garbage in the open grounds at Puthanatham in the district has been posing a serious health hazard to the residents. Although the garbage is collected and dumped in the area, the absence of a systematic procedure for disposing the bio-degradable and bio-nondegradable waste is said to be one of the reasons for the pollution.
The solid waste is periodically set on fire, complain residents of Puthanatham. Though they have been urging the panchayat authorities to take steps for ensuring proper door-to-door collection of garbage and safe disposal, no concrete steps had been taken in this regard.
T. Bhoopathy of Vellaikaundampatti, an environmentalist, said that the place where the garbage is being dumped is a water body called Mottaimaramkulam.
“The entire tank had got silted up due to the continued dumping of garbage. Further, Puthantham accounts for a large number of tailoring units which are involved in making readymade garments. All waste cloth pieces are also being dumped here,” he said explaining the reason for the continuous smoke emanating from the area. He said that the pollution is being caused in a serene area surrounded by hillocks and scenic beauty.
He wanted the authorities to take steps for the immediate clearing of the garbage from the tank. “During sharp showers, solid wastes from the tank overflows with water and get strewn all along the highway,” he says.
He wants adequate awareness created among the residents of Puthanatham about the hygienic disposal of degradable and non-degradable waste materials. “Although some effort was taken in the past, it did not go well with the residents due to lack of follow up. A sustained campaign should be taken up in and around Puthanatham,” Mr. Bhoopathy said.
