Illegal dumping spreads to Hubballi outskirts, authorities silent

Hubballi: Illegal dumping of waste and debris is turning Kusugal road on the Hubballi-Solapur NH into an eyesore. Despite being a major route for interstate traffic, the site continues to grow unchecked, with no action from Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC).
According to sources, the dumping yard is growing by the day as even the municipal garbage trucks dump the garbage here apart from the waste from buildings. The dump keeps catching fire, and a lot of smoke spew out. Locals allege that the municipal staff has converted this area into a dumping yard illegally. Because of this, the look of the city is spoilt. The dumping yard seems to be expanding daily. There is also a fire that emits a lot of smoke. Wet waste such as rotten fruits, clothes, and plastic bottles are thrown here.
The waste is also thrown on the Hubballi-Ballari road near the railway overbridge on Gadag Road. Hard materials, cloth, and both dry and wet waste are discarded. Residents allege that a lot of construction building waste is dumped here. The HDMC has not taken any action to clean the waste.
Hanumath Talawar, a resident of Durga Colony, said that large quantities of garbage are collected on Solapur Road. "Not just construction waste, we doubt that the corporation is also dumping the garbage. In addition, there is always a fire in the garbage pile. The corporation should take action in this regard and impose fines," he urged.
Ramesh Jamboti, a resident of Kusugal, said that individuals are throwing waste on the outskirts because there is no empty space to dispose of the garbage. They have got the opportunity to throw the waste in such empty spaces near the road. It falls under the HDMC jurisdiction which is responsible for it. Soon the dumped waste should be cleared, he urged.
Executive engineer at HDMC's solid waste management, Santosh Yarangalli said that some individuals are regularly dumping waste. He directed the assistant commissioner to clear the waste. After clearing, regular monitoring and patrolling will be done to ensure that no further dumping is done. If anyone is found dumping in the area, strict action and fines will be imposed. Soon the waste will be cleared, he said.