The Times of India 13.08.2012
Garbage dump turning into stray animal home
NOIDA: Garbage collection centres set up by Noida Authority in different areas of the city are fast turning into homes for stray animals due to lack of regular maintenance. While the garbage dump
at the rear corner of the Sector 18 market overflows beyond the
boundary walls due to improper disposal, much to the consternation of
pedestrians and traffic, the one near Sector 49 has been causing
inconvenience to residents of adjoining sectors and a neighbouring
school due to irregular collection. The rains during monsoon have
worsened matters with the stench making conditions unlivable, apart from
being a health hazard threat.
The Sector 49 garbage collection
centre, situated along the main road connecting Noida City Center with
Baruala traffic junction, has been giving sleepless nights to residents
of both Sectors 49 and 50. The unclean conditions have also proved to be
a hassle for students and teachers of a school adjacent to this garbage
collection centre.
"The garbage rots because trucks do not
turn up to collect it regularly. Not only is the stench unbearable, but
residents are also at risk of contracting vector-borne diseases from
breeding of flies and mosquitoes," said Vijay Bhati, a resident of
Sector 49. "Residents avoid taking the service road to go out of the
sector because of unclean conditions. The service road itself has been
awaiting repairs for the past couple of years," Bhati added.
The garbage collection centre at the rear corner of Sector 18, on the
road behind the Centre Stage Mall, has not only been an eyesore for
passersby but also threatens a health hazard for the adjoining
residential sector. Hundreds of vehicles travelling from the Film City
flyover take a detour through the road to travel to Sectors 16, 17, 19
and beyond. At any point of time, stray animals are found on the
littered waste. Residents complain that despite the fact that Sector 18
has been showcased as the commercial showpiece of Noida, the unkempt
garbage collection centre has been a dent in that image.
"For
the last three years, we have been requesting the Authority to shift
this garbage centre to another location and to better maintain the
existing centres," said Kedar Bansal, president of Sector 18 Traders'
Association. "We have also taken officials to the spot to have a
firsthand view of the unkempt garbage and litter, but no significant
work has been done to maintain this location," he added.
Noida
Authority claims that it lifts garbage from these centres on a regular
basis and littering, if any, is caused due to improper disposal rather
than by collection. "Our workers and trucks remove the garbage cleanly
on a regular basis. However, those who dispose garbage here litter it
beyond the boundaries causing unclean conditions nearby," said an
Authority official.
