Garbage mismanagement in Kadaba triggers health fears, residents warn of stronger protest

Mangaluru : Residents of Kodimbala’s Kakkethimar area in Kadaba have launched a sharp protest against the local panchayat over the alarming condition of the solid waste management unit, accusing officials of gross negligence and failure to address a growing public health threat.

The waste disposal facility, meant to scientifically process and manage garbage collected from the town, has reportedly turned into a dumping ground with heaps of untreated waste left unattended for months.

According to local residents, garbage collected every day from households and commercial establishments is being dumped at the site without proper segregation or processing. This has resulted in massive accumulation of waste, with even expensive processing machinery lying buried under garbage piles.

The foul smell emanating from the unit has made life miserable for nearby residents, who say the stench has become unbearable, particularly during the evenings.

Locals fear the situation could worsen with the onset of monsoon, as stagnant waste may create ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes and trigger outbreaks of diseases such as dengue and malaria.

Residents pointed out that the area has already witnessed dengue-related deaths in the past, making the present negligence even more concerning.

Former panchayat president Narayana Poojary criticised the civic body, stating that while traders and households continue to pay garbage collection fees regularly, the administration has failed to provide efficient waste disposal services.

He also questioned the panchayat’s double standards, alleging that while strict fines are imposed for plastic usage, seized materials are dumped indiscriminately at the same waste yard.

Councillor Akshatha expressed concern over the health risks faced by children and elderly residents in the locality. She also objected to reports suggesting that another waste treatment facility facing resistance elsewhere could be shifted to Kadaba.

In a show of anger, residents blocked a garbage collection vehicle near the unit and staged a protest, demanding immediate clearance of the accumulated waste.

Responding to the agitation, panchayat officials attributed the crisis to shortage of staff and technical difficulties, assuring that corrective action would be taken soon.

However, locals remain sceptical and have warned of intensified protests if permanent and effective solutions are not implemented without delay.