Karimnagar residents choke on smoke from municipal dumping yard

Residents of several Karimnagar colonies have complained of thick smoke, toxic emissions and health problems due to waste burning at the municipal dumping yard. While locals allege river pollution and official inaction, KMC officials say measures are being taken.

Karimnagar: Thousands of residents from different colonies in Karimnagar town are facing severe inconvenience due to thick smoke, toxic emissions and air pollution caused by the burning of solid waste at a dumping yard of the Karimnagar Municipal Corporation (KMC).

The KMC, comprising 60 divisions, generates around 200 tonnes of garbage every day. The garbage is being dumped at a site located on the bypass road and on the banks of the Manair river. Though the dumping yard is situated on the outskirts of the city, it is close to certain residential colonies, a cable-stayed bridge and rural areas as well.

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People residing in Kothirampur, Alkapuri, Ganeshnagar, Housing Board Colony and some other areas, in particular, claimed that they were forced to choke after inhaling smoke and toxic gases emanating from the burning of solid waste at the dumping yard. They regretted that the problem remained unaddressed despite repeated representations.

“We are compelled to stay indoors with doors closed as thick smoke, foul odour and toxic emissions envelop our colony. We are finding it difficult to live in a closed house for a long time. We submitted representations to municipal officials and authorities at the Collectorate, but the problem continues to persist,” Srilatha, a resident of Alkapuri, said.

The locals further pointed out that dumping the garbage was not only causing inconvenience to residents but also polluting the river. They alleged that they had been suffering from cough, fever and respiratory-related ailments. They lamented that they were spending huge amounts on treating these illnesses.

Meanwhile, Kota Shyam Kumar, a social activist and YouTuber, was arrested on October 11 for filming the dumping yard and questioning public representatives and officials. He wondered why the Collector, Mayor, Commissioner, MP and others were not showing interest in addressing the major challenge. He regretted that he was taken into custody before wearing a sacred thread, triggering mild tension.

KMC officials said that steps were being taken to prevent toxic gas emissions, thick smoke and air pollution. They blamed unidentified persons for burning the waste at night. They claimed that civic body staff were dousing the fumes by sprinkling water. They also said that Rs 17 crore had been sanctioned to tackle the accumulated waste and initiate the bio-mining process to clear the garbage piled up at the yard.