Dumping of building debris unchecked on vacant lands near Coimbatore airport

The vacant lands near Coimbatore airport close to Brindhavan Nagar have turned to sites where illegal dumping of building debris is rampant.

Residents from the area said that the illegal dumping was mostly happening at night, when there is little movement of people along the mud road passing through the vacant lands, connecting Brindhavan Nagar and SIHS Colony.

Staff from the Coimbatore Corporation were found clearing debris dumped along the sides of the mud road using earthmovers on Wednesday.

N. Subramanian, president of Brindhavan Nagar Residents’ Association, said the dumping was happening as there is no proper watch over the vacant plots, which include government land and private lands.

Youngsters from the region use some of the vacant plots to play cricket on Sundays and holidays, he said.

A Corporation employee said that dumping of building debris and industrial waste has been happening for many years. The civic body clears them at regular intervals.

Mr.  Subramanian wanted the Corporation to impose hefty fines on persons who are found dumping debris and other types of waste. Citing the recent gang-rape of a college student in the area, he also wanted the police to increase night patrols to deal with anti-social elements.

Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran said the illegal dumping happening at the location would be checked and steps would be taken to curb the activity. He said such waste should be dumped only at designated sites.