OHRC Seeks Report On BMC’s Stinking Hill Of Garbage In Odisha Capital

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has sought a report from Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) over dumping of garbage near Mancheswar in Odisha capital.

The rights body has directed BMC Commissioner to submit a report in this regard by December 11.

“The complainant Sura Patra and others of Anchalika Surakshya Manch, Gadakana, Mancheswar Railway Colony have alleged that the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation is dumping all the waste articles of the city in Mancheswar area, which may result in ill health of the locality. Since the allegation prima facie reveals violation of human rights, a copy of the petition be sent to the Commissioner, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, to cause an enquiry into the matter and submit a detailed factual report on the allegations made, by 11.12.2023,” the order said.

The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for December 14.

Social outfit Anchalika Surakshya Manch had moved the OHRC, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and other forums seeking a curb on garbage dumping the temporary transit station (TTS) near Sainik School while alleging that it was affecting health of people residing in nearby localities. They further alleged that the civic body was running it despite a court order in 2012 to remove all such stations in the city.

Amid reports about spread of skin diseases, the outfit was also seen distributing ointment among the residents of Dhirikuti slum near Mancheswar railway station.

At least 54,000 tonnes of garbage has already been deposited at the TTS in the last 180 days. While the stench is unbearable, the garbage hill, which is giving a Ghazipur vibe in this part of the city, has turned into a health hazard for residents of Gadakana Mouza, Mancheswar, Dhirikuti slum, VSS Nagar, and Rangamatia. It has also affected the health and education of children in a number of schools in the vicinity, including the Sainik School and Kendriya Vidyalaya.

And it was after the TTS crisis spiraled out of control that BMC realised the need for a mega Solid Waste Management plant, which is being set up now.

On November 4, BMC Commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange had told the media that local residents will have to bear with the stinking odour for some more time as the civic body will take another six to seven months to remove it. “One machine has been procured as the volume of garbage is huge, while another machine will be brought in the next 15 days,” he added.