Justice K.N. Phanindra criticized the unscientific Management by District Administration. Warns of a suo motu complaint if the administration does not pay heed.
Deputy Lokayukta Justice K.N. Phanindra on Friday conducted an inspection of the municipal solid waste disposal unit near Stewart Hill on the outskirts of Madikeri and expressed serious concern over its poor maintenance and unscientific waste disposal practices.
During the inspection, Justice Phanindra took officials to task over the poor condition of the approach road leading to the garbage disposal unit. Pointing out that even the access road had not been properly maintained, he questioned how waste management could be effectively carried out under such conditions.
He observed that, at the very least, the approach road should be maintained in a motorable condition and remarked that such neglect was unacceptable, particularly in a region like Kodagu that receives heavy rainfall.
Expressing strong dissatisfaction over the condition of the waste disposal facility, the Deputy Lokayukta stated that municipal waste was not being processed scientifically as required.
He pointed out that dry and wet waste should be segregated before disposal and noted that the prescribed waste management procedures were not being followed at the site.
Justice Phanindra also questioned officials about the management of leachate generated from the waste. He sought information on where the contaminated water from the garbage dump was flowing and whether adequate safeguards had been put in place to prevent environmental pollution.
Observing that Kodagu experiences heavy rainfall, he warned that leachate from the garbage dump could contaminate nearby borewells, ponds and natural streams if appropriate preventive measures were not implemented.
The Deputy Lokayukta directed officials to take immediate precautions to prevent contamination of groundwater and other water sources. He warned that officials of the Environment Department, along with the engineers concerned, should pay immediate attention to the issue, failing which legal action would be initiated against those responsible.
Justice Phanindra instructed engineers and officials from the Medical, Veterinary, Drinking Water Supply, Municipal Administration and Environment Departments to work in coordination to address the shortcomings in waste management.
He directed that every effort should be made to ensure that contaminated water from the garbage disposal unit does not enter ponds, canals, streams or other natural water bodies, stressing that public health should not be compromised.
The Deputy Lokayukta further observed that waste management should be carried out in a scientific, systematic and environmentally sustainable manner. He noted that the existing six-acre site was inadequate to meet the district’s long-term waste management requirements and suggested that the authorities identify and reserve additional land for future garbage disposal facilities.
Justice Phanindra also instructed officials to collect information regarding the residential areas located around the garbage disposal unit and to give greater priority to sanitation, public health and environmental protection in those localities. He directed the authorities to implement proper waste management systems and ensure continuous monitoring of the facility.
Expressing serious concern over the prevailing conditions, Justice Phanindra announced that a suo motu complaint would be registered regarding the improper management of the garbage disposal unit. He reiterated that scientific waste management practices must be implemented without delay.
Responding to the observations, D C S.J. Somashekhar assured the Deputy Lokayukta that greater emphasis would be placed on improving cleanliness and maintenance at the garbage disposal facility.
Surprise Visit to Market : Later, Justice Phanindra paid a surprise visit to the Madikeri Market and interacted with traders and members of the public regarding the availability of drinking water and other civic amenities.
Expressing dissatisfaction over inadequate lighting and poor drainage facilities in the market, he directed the authorities to repair the drainage system and accord top priority to cleanliness.
He instructed officials to prevent indiscriminate dumping of garbage within the market premises and directed that awareness boards be installed at prominent locations to educate the public on proper waste disposal.
The Deputy Lokayukta warned that traders who dump waste indiscriminately would also be liable for penalties and urged all shopkeepers to cooperate in maintaining cleanliness.
He further directed that a proper entrance gate should be installed for the market and that additional lighting facilities, including tube lights and other electric fixtures, should be provided to improve visibility and public safety.
Justice Phanindra observed that municipal authorities should constantly evaluate whether civic facilities are adequately serving the needs of the public.
He instructed engineers to take necessary measures to prevent rainwater from entering the market premises and to ensure adequate ventilation and natural lighting.He also directed that safe drinking water facilities be provided for traders and visitors. During the inspection, members of the public drew his attention to several other civic issues requiring immediate attention.
Inspection of KSRTC Bus Stand : Justice Phanindra also made a surprise inspection of the KSRTC Bus Stand in Madikeri.
He directed the authorities to ensure that the premises are cleaned every day and instructed that the public toilets be maintained in a hygienic condition. He also suggested installing a public clock within the bus stand for the convenience of passengers.
The Deputy Lokayukta expressed satisfaction over the positive response received from members of the public during the inspection. After inspecting the toilet facilities and touring the entire bus stand, he remarked that government infrastructure should provide quality services and adequate facilities to the public.
During the visit, an elderly passenger requested the authorities to introduce additional KSRTC bus services to Madenadu, Bettathur and Katakeri.
Visits to Old Age Home and Residential School : Later, speaking to reporters, Justice Phanindra said that he had also visited the Shakti Old Age Home near Kushalnagar and the Morarji Desai Residential School at Basavanahalli.
While expressing satisfaction with the overall hostel environment, he suggested that new beds and blankets should be provided for the residents. He also directed that bathrooms and toilet facilities be maintained in a clean and hygienic condition. Reiterating his concern over the garbage disposal unit, the Deputy Lokayukta stated that a suo motu complaint would be registered regarding its improper maintenance and that further action would be initiated in accordance with law. He stressed that greater emphasis should be placed on maintaining cleanliness in and around the waste disposal facility, pointing out that the increasing presence of mosquitoes, flies and stray dogs posed a potential public health hazard.
Justice Phanindra directed that wet and dry waste should be segregated and that sanitation should receive sustained attention. He suggested that officials regularly visit the market, interact with traders and continuously monitor cleanliness. He also instructed the authorities to strengthen waste management systems and ensure the availability of clean drinking water for the public.
DC S.J. Somashekhar, ZP CEO Anand Prakash Meena, S P R.N. Bindumani, DCF Abhishek, ADC Dr. Sahana S. Hadimani, AC Nitin Chakki, Deputy Lokayukta’s Private Secretary and Civil Judge Kiran Patil, Lokayukta SP Udesh, District Legal Services Authority Member Secretary Shubha, Tahsildar Sridhar, Urban Development Project Director Manjunath Ramanna, CMCÂ Commissioner H.R. Ramesh, Environment Officer Maheshwari Singh, Assistant Executive Engineer Satish and other officials accompanied the Deputy Lokayukta during the inspections.
