Vacant plots in Tiruchi turn an eyesore with heaps of garbage, pose a health hazard to neighbours

Wild growth of plants and heaps of garbage on a plot at Anna Nagar Road in Tiruchi on Saturday have become a source of concern for the neighbours.
| Photo Credit: ANCY DONAL MADONNA

Poorly maintained plots of land in major residential areas in Tiruchi have become a breeding ground for reptiles and insects, raising health concerns among the residents.

These empty plots receive little or no maintenance and have become dump yards where herds of pigs and rodents rummage through the heaps of garbage. For instance, a plot on Anna Nagar Road has become a dump site for household waste. Residents claim that pigs and snakes roam the plot in large numbers, especially at night. However, lack of strict enforcement had rendered the plots a breeding ground for reptiles and insects.

“Snakes enter our compound. We do not allow our children to play outdoors after darkness sets in. Moreover, we are unable to keep our windows open at night, fearing mosquito and insect bites,” said B. Karthika Devi, a resident of Anna Nagar.

Additionally, the heaps of garbage emit an unbearable stench. The drain running near the plot gets clogged, worsening the situation. “The stench permeates the streets and affects the residents. Stray animals take refuge in the unmaintained plots,” she added.

On some plots, which have compound walls, thick overgrowth of weeds paves the way for the breeding of reptiles. A case in point is a plot on 11th Cross Road in Thillainagar. “With the threat of outbreak of diseases looming large, addressing the issue of clearing the plots must be made a priority,” said Ganapathy, a resident.

“Strict action to prevent the spread of diseases must be taken by identifying the owners and ensuring that they maintain the plots to prevent overgrowth of weeds and water stagnation during monsoon,” said N. Jamaluddin, a civic activist.

Owners to be notified

Meanwhile, the civic body has taken steps to identify and serve notice on owners of these properties.

“Warning boards would be placed near these sites to encourage upkeep. Steps will be taken soon to clear poorly maintained vacant plots to prevent water stagnation and health hazards,” said a senior Corporation official.