Authorities least concerned about dumping going on for six months now
Garbage dumped near Sitakunda reserve forest near Kuchipudi Kalakshetra in Visakhapatnam. (Photo: DC)
Visakhapatnam: The Sitakunda forest under Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary has been turned into a dumping ground. Garbage, especially construction debris from different parts of the city is dumped here since the last six months but authorities seem to be least concerned about it.
It may be noted that both sides of the Visakha Valley School Road, which connects the Beach Road with the National Highway, are filled with piles of debris and other garbage disposed from the city.
Residents of nearby localities said a huge part of the garbage comes from the adjacent Visalakshinagar, where several new buildings are being constructed. The locality, in the last one year, has seen a large influx of people who are unable to cope with the booming real-estate prices in the city.
It must be noted that throwing garbage in a reserve forest is illegal as per Section 9 of the Wildlife Protection Act. As there is no arrangement of an incinerator, the heap is spread over an area of more than three km. Moreover, the polythene in the waste can cause death of herbivorous animals like deer and antelope, which are ample in the area.
Speaking on the issue, Pradeep Kumar, additional principal chief conservator of forests, Visakhapatnam circle said he was not aware of the matter and assured to take appropriate action soon.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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