Toxic gasses released from DRCC continue to irk people for 20 years

Residents of Andalamma, Green City and nearby colonies in Mancherial are facing severe health problems due to toxic smoke from burning waste at a municipal dry resource collection centre. Despite repeated complaints, the issue has persisted for nearly two decades.

Mancherial: People living in both Andalamma and Green City Colonies and surrounding localities situated on the town outskirts are literally choked due to smoke released from the burning of trash at a temporary dry resource collection centre (DRC) operated by Mancherial Municipal Corporation (MMC) as part of solid waste management for not just one or two years, but nearly 20 years.

Residents of Andalamma and posh Green City and nearby areas are having nightmarish experiences once it gets dark. They are forced to inhale toxic gases emanating from the burning of the trash at the two-acre DRCC at night. Many are diagnosed with respiratory-related health issues. Pathetically, their ordeal has continued since 2005.

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Rajashekhar, a resident of Andalamma colony, regretted that they were almost gasping every night following the release of the harmful gases. “Chronic cough, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain have become common diseases among the residents. We have submitted several pleas to the civic officials so far, but in vain,” he lamented.

People residing in Green City, Rangapet, ACC Colony, Maruthinagar and Vaddera Colony are facing severe inconvenience due to noxious gases produced by the torching of the dry waste generated from the town. They are complaining of similar health problems. They expressed concern that both children and elderly persons are bearing the brunt of the gases and stench.

The hapless residents of surrounding areas pointed out that they have continued to be duped by political parties who promise to address the challenge at the time of polls, but ignore it once they are elected to power. “Contestants from major parties assure us that they would take steps to resolve the issue if they are voted to power during elections. However, the problem has persisted even after two decades,” S Naresh, a lawyer from Green City, quipped.

When asked, MMC officials said that some unidentified miscreants were setting the solid waste on fire at night despite preventive efforts. Steps would be taken to shift the DRCC to government land soon. They stated that measures were being taken regarding a 20-acre piece of land that was recently identified to establish the solid waste treatment and disposal facility near Thatipelli village in Naspur mandal. Steps would be taken to shift the dump yard to the new site soon.