Chennai: Residents of Chitlapakkam are worried that the graveyard in their locality, might soon turn into a dumpyard, as people have started throwing their garbage inside the cemetery.
It is also alleged that the Chitlapakkam Panchayat staff burn the waste in the yard, which poses severe health risks to those nearby.
The cemetery is located right next to the Chitlapakkam lake and a private school. The dumping of waste has become a daily practice, ever since we prevented the water body from being used as for the same purpose.
”The graveyard is actually supposed to get beautified with the MLA funds of Rs 19.9 lakh, but only 25 per cent is completed,” said Sunil Jayaraman, a member of the NGO, Chitlapakkam Rising.
On the other hand, residents complained that they are forced to dispose their trash in the said manner, as collection by conservancy staff, does not take place on a regular basis.
”We recently planned to plant some greenery alongside the dumpyard, and turn it into a park, keeping a small portion for the crematorium. However, as the Panchayat started burning waste here, we were not able to do it,” he added.
Locals are also worried about students in the nearby school.
”Dumping and burning of the garbage inside the cemetery can be easily prevented, if officials take the initiative. But till now, no action has been taken,” rued Chitra, a resident.
When contacted, Chitlapakkam Panchayat officials, assured that necessary action will be taken at the earliest.