Vinay Kumar
Madurai: Unchecked dumping and burning of waste along the banks of the Vaigai are worsening pollution and posing health hazards to residents, locals and activists said.Large quantities of garbage have accumulated near Thenur Mandapam and remained uncleared for several days. Residents alleged that instead of removing the waste, it was being set on fire. “The dumped waste already creates a foul smell, but when it is burned, the stench becomes worse. Thick black smoke is released into the air,” said Thangadurai, a resident of Sadasiva Nagar near the mandapam. He said the smoke not only pollutes the environment but also poses a health risk to people living nearby.M Rajan, founder of Vaigai Nathi Makkal Iyakkam, said waste was being dumped at several locations along the riverbank. “The quantity of waste is so high that it often slides directly into the river, further polluting the water. Once the waste enters the river, it becomes harder for sanitation workers to clear it,” he said. Rajan said residents had repeatedly petitioned the district administration to prevent dumping along the Vaigai, but the problem continued unabated. “People passing along the road see the garbage already piled up and start dumping their own waste there as well,” he added.A senior corporation official said several stretches along the Vaigai riverbank were being monitored using AI-enabled cameras to curb illegal dumping. “Anyone identified throwing waste illegally is fined immediately,” the official said. The official added that surveillance would be intensified and more cameras installed to prevent waste dumping and burning along the riverbanks.
