Vacant plots in Puducherry turn into dumping grounds

Local bodies in Puducherry are grappling with the growing problem of vacant plots increasingly turning into informal dumping sites for household waste and construction debris, posing a challenge for them ahead of the rainy season.

Besides affecting sanitation, the accumulation of waste, thick vegetation and stagnant water have raised concerns over mosquito breeding and a possible increase in vector-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya.

Residents in several neighbourhoods say unoccupied plots, left unattended for years, have become overgrown with vegetation and are strewn with plastic waste, bottles and other waste. During rains, water stagnates in such places, creating conditions conducive for mosquito breeding.

Despite repeated appeals by municipal authorities, several owners of vacant plots have failed to keep their land clean or secure it with proper fencing, allowing the sites to become convenient dumping grounds for the public.

An official said indiscriminate dumping by the public was largely responsible for the worsening condition of vacant plots. The private firm entrusted with solid waste collection and disposal, operates vehicles for door-to-door collection. However, some residents continue to bundle their waste and dump it near street corners or in vacant plots instead of handing it over to collection workers.

The civic body has now started issuing advisories asking owners of unoccupied plots to maintain their property well.

Tracing owners

Oulgaret Municipal Commissioner R. Arun Ayyavu said the local body had identified over 5,000 vacant plots under its limits. However, one of the major challenges in acting against poorly maintained vacant plots was the difficulty in establishing ownership.

“Ownership details are not available in several cases. When sanitation workers or municipal staff attempt to clear waste from such plots, disputes arise, with some properties being subject to court cases or ownership-related litigation,” he added.

Sanitary Inspectors have been directed to collect the addresses and available details of owners of neglected plots so that notices can be issued to them.

The civic body has also appealed to residents not to treat vacant plots as dumping grounds. “People should show civic sense and refrain from throwing household waste, plastic and construction debris in vacant land or along roadsides. Citizens can flag complaints relating to this issue on the number 0413 – 2200382 or WhatsApp 75981 71674,” the official added.