Hyderabad: The area adjacent to Kowkoor Lake at Masthan Bagh dargah has turned into a major dumping ground, leaving residents squirming and demanding that the Army fence it to put an end to the menace.
The space, amid trees, is occupied by heaps of half-burnt garbage and even animal carcass.
Residents said this has been happening for months now. Half the area is occupied by black garbage bags and one can find a lot of plastic waste on the ground.
When this correspondent visited the site, a private mini-truck had just emptied its garbage. The driver refused to say anything when asked if they had permission to dump garbage there.
Residents mostly rear buffaloes and cows, whose lives are endangered by the garbage. “We are forced to put up with this stink. Whenever we ask the garbage truck drivers, they in return ask us if the land belongs to us,” said Ms G. Chandrakala, who leaves near the lake. “Our cows keep falling ill by consuming the plastic waste. Who will be responsible for this?”
Residents of Spring Villa East in the locality are also affected, as the stink from the garbage and the animal carcass reaches their kitchen. These residents also complain about illegal activities that go on in the space.
“There is an Army firing centre nearby where soldiers keep practicing. In case of a misfire, the pellet might strike someone in this area,” said a resident on the condition of anonymity. “And night times are a nuisance as many anti-social activities take place. This land belongs to the Army. They should fence it properly.
That would put an end to this illegal dumping of garbage.”
When contacted, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation deputy commissioner Mr Yadagiri Rao said they would take necessary action and stop those who are dumping garbage in the area.
