Highway Turns Into Dumping Ground, Locals Demand Urgent Action

Nanjangud: Daily commuters and travelers on the Chamarajanagar–Nanjangud–Tamil Nadu national highway are met with an appalling sight—heaps of garbage dumped along the roadside, especially near Doddakavalande village.

The stretch of NH-150A passing through Doddakavalande in Nanjangud taluk has become a health and safety concern, as waste is being recklessly dumped on both sides of the highway. Shockingly, garbage vehicles operated by the Doddakavalande Gram Panchayat are reportedly responsible for this practice.

Similar dumping is occurring along the key route from Kavalande to Chunchanahalli, Ummattur, Kollegal, Male Mahadeshwara Betta, and Biligiri Rangana Betta, where Kavalande Panchayat’s garbage vehicle is seen offloading waste before fleeing the scene.

Adding to the concern, trash is being thrown right in front of the Government Pre-University College in Doddakavalande, putting the health of hundreds of students at risk. Despite clear rules, officials are disregarding basic sanitation guidelines.

In some areas, waste—including hazardous plastic materials—is being set ablaze, causing thick, toxic smoke to blanket the roads. Visibility is severely reduced, leading to accidents and breathing issues, especially for people with asthma and respiratory conditions. Even cattle and other livestock are suffering due to this negligence.

With no proper waste management facility in place, residents are blaming Gram Panchayat officials for turning a blind eye. Locals, including Mahesh and Manu from Chunchanahalli, have demanded immediate disciplinary action against the responsible vehicle drivers and panchayat authorities.