HEALTH HAZARD: Mangalore city is in need of a proper solid waste management system. Many families live in the vicinity of this dumpyard.

MANGALORE: Like most cities bitten by the development bug, Mangalore has problems related to solid waste management. The five-year urban development programme has failed to provide the city with a proper solid waste management system.

The city produces nearly 250 tonnes of waste, which is dumped at a yard in Vamanjoor everyday.

It is said that waste from Bantwal and Moodbidri near here are also dumped at the same yard.

However, what is a cause for concern is that there are nearly 1,250 families (nearly 4,500 people) living near this dumping yard. People are exposed to health hazards, and some of families have been living near this yard for the past 25 years.

There are also some educational institutions in the vicinity, including the Mangalajyothi Integrated School, St. Raymond High School and Pre-University College, St. Joseph's Higher Primary School, St. Joseph's Engineering College and a few anganwadi centres.

The yard is located at Vamanjoor comprising Kudupu, Bondanthila and Tiruvail villages and is by the side of National Highway 13 Mangalore-Hospet.

Areas such as Jyothinagar, Santhoshnagar, Mangalajyothinagar, Ambedkarnagar, Devarapadavu and Toipekallu are in the vicinity.

People living here are exposed to the stench emanating from the waste, and the yard is frequented by stray dogs and cattle. Dead cows are often found near the yard.

Since garbage is being dumped here for the past two decades, non-biodgradable waste such as plastic is showing signs of leaching. This has resulted in ground water contamination in nearby areas.

A survey conducted by the Roshni Nilaya School of Social Work some time ago showed that people living in the area suffer from asthma, chest congestion , frequent bouts of fever, typhoid and diarrhoea. Some non-governmental organisations have highlighted the plight of people living near yard.

Even the Green Peace team visited the area in 2002, but the authorities concerned are yet to find a solution to this problem.

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