Mangaluru: Residents near Urwa Market have raised serious concerns over waste transfer operations behind the temporary market, alleging that the foul smell has become unbearable and is affecting daily life.Despite being surrounded by a market, a school and residential areas, the site is used by the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) as a transfer point. Wet waste from areas such as Boloor is shifted from smaller vehicles to larger compactors before being transported to the waste management facility.Locals alleged that the process leads to the spillage of wastewater and garbage. This collects in a roadside drain without a proper outlet, causing stagnation, foul stench and the formation of worms.Prashanth, a resident who runs a laundry, said customers frequently complain about the smell, and said that many of his staff left due to the issue. Ravi, another resident, pointed out that the stagnant wastewater has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Prakash Kumar, who operates a vegetable shop in the temporary market, referred to the area as the city’s “malaria breeding centre.”Purushotham Salian, a salon owner, said that Mangaluru City South MLA D. Vedvyas Kamath had promised to implement measures, but no action has been taken so far. He alleged that two nearby shop owners were forced to shut down and relocate their businesses.Nagaveni, who opened a shop opposite the site a year ago, said the stench causes headaches and leaves her unable to eat lunch.Garbage blackspot beautification project carried out on siteGeeta Surya of Anti Pollution Drive Foundation said they had undertaken a garbage blackspot beautification project at the site two years ago under the MCC, involving gardening, planting, tyre gardening and wall painting. She said they followed up multiple times and urged locals to maintain the area. However, Purshottam Salian said that despite residents watering and maintaining the plants, the garden was eventually destroyed.‘Congress mentality’ in officials: KamathMLA Vedvyas Kamath alleged that officials have the same “mentality” as the Congress leaders ruling the state. He said he had personally brought the Deputy Commissioner and MCC Commissioner to the site to show the situation. Despite repeated complaints and involving multiple officials, including the Zilla Panchayat CEO and Health Inspector, he said no action has been taken.“Look at how much the administration has collapsed under the Municipal Corporation led by the Congress party, where an MLA, despite raising public grievances several times, nothing has changed,” he said.An MCC official stated that the concerned department will conduct an inspection and look into the matter.
