Garbage piles and burning waste choke Perambur railway colony

Chennai: Garbage piles line residential streets, plastic waste is routinely set ablaze, and residents are left to contend with toxic smoke inside Perambur Railway Colony, located between Konnur High Road and Loco Works Road in north Chennai.Mounds of uncollected waste have accumulated along several interior roads, emitting a persistent stench and attracting stray animals and pests, residents said. They added that the situation has worsened in recent months, turning the once-bustling neighbourhood into a "dumping ground".Residents allege that the frequent burning of garbage by sanitation workers has made the air nearly unbreathable, triggering respiratory problems and forcing families — particularly children and the elderly — to remain indoors for much of the day. "The amount of garbage and plastic dumped here is alarming. The irony is that it is often set on fire. It has become a perennial issue, and the area is turning into a no man's land," said Perambur Neighbourhood Development Forum convener C Raghukumar. Residents also alleged that waste from neighbouring localities is routinely dumped inside the colony, compounding the crisis. Raghukumar said the problem has been exacerbated by a lapse in solid waste management services, as the previous contractor's term has expired and a new agency has yet to be appointed.Despite repeated complaints and petitions over the years, they said there has been little change on the ground. "While cleanliness drives are regularly undertaken at railway stations under national missions, the adjoining residential colony are neglected. We urge the authorities to step in urgently, prevent illegal dumping and restore basic sanitation in the area," said M. Praveen, a resident of Railway Colony. Thiru Vi Ka Nagar zonal officer G Chokkalingampillai promised to inspect the area and take action.