Dogs, pigs breed in open sites here

HUBLI: Hubli is a city growing by leaps and bounds. As a hub of commercial and educational activities, the city is a major destination in North Karnataka that is well connected through rail, air and road.
Foreseeing the development boom, many people chose the city to invest in land. People from across the state and outside have invested in sites across the city.Some of them have constructed buildings in them while but many sites are left unused, posing a problem to those living around.
People use these sites to dump waste. Owners of many sites have not ensured proper fencing or compound wall which has resulted in people using it to dump garbage, making them a breeding ground for pigs, dogs and mosquitoes.
At least one open site exists in each locality which is left unused. Most of the open sites are seen in extension areas and in Akrama Sakrama layouts. Even the sites earmarked for gardens by HDMC in some areas too have turned dumping yards. According to HDMC records, there are about 65,000 open sites, some people who bought the site are left the site open without use.
Speaking to TOI, Mahesh Shanbhag, resident of Shirur Park and who stays near to an open site, said: "People throw waste, including food items, polythene covers and other waste, in the open site near my home. We have to put up with the stench. Also, the site has become a breeding place for stray dogs and cattle."
"The site has been lying vacant for four to five years. Corporation has not taken any action regarding the empty sites in Shirur Park area," he added.
According to HDMC sources, about 50 per cent owners of open sites are staying in other cities and country. "They would have bought the sites as an investment and not bothered about fencing it or constructing a compound wall around it. Several government officials also own sites here but stay in other cities," they said.