Tamil Nadu - Madurai   

A mounting problem that cannot be dumped

S. Sundar and R. Sairam

City lacks proper mechanism to remove debris

UNNECESSARY INCONVENIENCE: Over 20 feet of the pavement on East Chithirai Street near Amman Sannadhi is blocked where the Corporation is carrying out a construction work. — Photo: K. Ganesan

MADURAI: Dumping of debris and construction materials on pavement and roadsides is a common sight in the Temple City. It does not matter whether it hinders public movement or blocks free flow of vehicular traffic.

For, at present, the city not only lacks enough open space, but also the administration does not have a mechanism to remove the dumped materials. As much as 45 tonnes of debris is generated every day in the city.

The land use pattern says that the city should have 8 to 10 per cent open space. "But, this congested city has only 3 per cent open space," says Corporation Superintending Engineer, K. Sathivel.

As most of the buildings do not conform to the city building plan norms (that is, they do not provide sufficient open space), builders are forced to dump the debris on the road.

"If someone constructs his house according to the plan approved, then there will be enough space to store the materials within the premises," Mr. Sakthivel says.

Some suggest that construction materials could be brought on the basis of daily requirement. "That does not sound good," says S. Rethinavelu, president, Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

There are practical difficulties such as restrictions on the timings of lorry movement in the city. Besides, the minimum load cannot be utilised on the same day of transportation. The Corporation does not give permission as such for dumping materials on pedestrian walk and roads. "How can we allow someone to hinder public movement?" Mr. Sakthivel asks.

However, the Corporation acts only on receipt of complaints regarding encroachment. The administration can consider measures such as erecting "tin sheet enclosures" for storing the materials near the construction site without hindering pavement and road users, Mr. Rethinavelu suggests.

V.H. Mohamed Haneefa, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), says stringent action will be initiated against those found obstructing traffic. "Nobody has the right to block the road. If anyone finds that dumping of construction material is obstructing the road, the person can inform the city police (Telephone No: 100) and appropriate legal action will be initiated immediately."

Solution in sight

The Corporation has drafted a solid waste management scheme at a cost of Rs.74 crore under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. On implementation, each of the four zones will have one vehicle meant for removal of debris, according to the Corporation Commissioner, D.J. Dinakkaren. "We will charge a nominal fee to transport it to the dumping yard. We will use it for land filling activity in the 30-acre dumping yard in Avaniapuram," Mr. Dinakkaren says.

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