With no proper system in place, some residents dump waste at common points and later burn it once it accumulates, adding to air pollution
Plastic waste lies dumped along a road near a tribal hamlet in Aarey Milk Colony. Pics/Satej Shinde
With the civic body elections on, residents of tribal hamlets in Aarey Milk Colony have stepped up their demand for an effective garbage collection and disposal system, stated our report. The absence of regular waste collection has made garbage management a major challenge, often forcing residents to dump waste outside their settlements. Locals warn that the mounting trash is increasingly threatening the surrounding forest ecosystem and wildlife.
The BMC collects waste from slum pockets in Aarey, but these hamlets are ignored, a local stated in our report. A site visit by mid-day revealed garbage dumped at multiple locations outside hamlets due to the absence of public dustbins in proximity. In contrast, garbage bins have been installed outside slum pockets in Aarey, from where the BMC collects waste daily.
With no proper system in place, some residents dump waste at common points and later burn it once it accumulates, adding to air pollution.
This problem is a festering one across the city and needs a solution in double quick time. We see several areas battling with few to no garbage bins. People then arrive with garbage bags and conveniently dispose of their garbage at some random spot. The entire area is then transformed into a festering, smelly mess.
We need to see more garbage bins in these tribal areas in proximity to the hamlets to ensure hygiene. So many citizen manifestos in this run-up to the elections cited cleanliness of surroundings in their wish list.
It does not take too much to install these bins and moreover. People too must dispose waste responsibly, inside the bins. Listen to locals, respond to problems and put a mechanism in place for collection and clear. Garbage is not just an aesthetics issue.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
