Nayana J C
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, June 24: A service road near the Bikkarnakatte flyover on National Highway 73 has turned into an illegal dumping ground, causing serious inconvenience to commuters and nearby residents. The stretch, an important route within the city, has become a daily eyesore due to poor waste management and repeated dumping.
For a long time, the roadside has been used as a dumping spot. Although workers of the city corporation have cleared the garbage several times, waste continues to reappear, making it a recurring problem. In some places, the garbage has spread across nearly half the road, making movement difficult for pedestrians and motorists.
Plastic waste, paper and other discarded materials lie scattered along the road. With continuous rainfall, contaminated water from the decomposing waste flows onto the roadway, creating unhygienic conditions and raising concerns about the spread of infections and diseases.
The garbage has been dumped along a nearly 50-metre stretch, causing inconvenience to people who use the road every day. Residents say the situation is particularly concerning as Bikkarnakatte is a busy locality and people are forced to witness the unpleasant sight on a regular basis.
Locals suspect that waste from nearby hotels, shops and commercial establishments is being transported in vehicles and dumped during the night. Much of the waste is found packed in large sacks and black garbage bags, indicating that the source of the dumping should be investigated. At the same time, some local residents are also allegedly contributing to the problem by disposing of waste at the spot.
Residents have urged the city authorities not only to clear the existing garbage but also to take strict measures to prevent further dumping. They have demanded action against those responsible and called for stronger monitoring of the area.
Earlier, CCTV cameras installed by the Mangaluru City Corporation to identify those dumping waste along the roadside reportedly went missing. While warning boards asking people not to dump garbage remain in place, the absence of surveillance has made it easier for offenders to continue the practice.
The issue is further aggravated by poor lighting near the Bikkarnakatte railway overbridge, where the road remains dark at night. Residents believe that illegal dumping mostly takes place during late-night or early-morning hours when there is minimal movement of vehicles and people.
Some residents also suspect that waste from houses, paying guest accommodations and hostels, including leftover food, is contributing to the growing garbage problem.
Residents are now calling for immediate intervention by the authorities, installation of proper lighting and surveillance systems, and strict enforcement measures to restore cleanliness and safety on the busy service road.