An action committee representing the Dalit community has threatened to hold a massive protest against the dumping of waste in Koraga colony, Balepuni village. The waste, collected from various areas, is being dumped into a 20-foot deep pit near the homes of SCs/STs in the Kukudakatte Koraga colony, located in Balepuni gram panchayat of Bantwal taluk. This practice has led to the spread of a foul odor, and residents are suffering from diseases like dengue and malaria.
S P Anand, district coordinator of the Karnataka Dalit Action Committee, warned that the community would stage a strong protest if the situation is not addressed immediately. He explained that a borewell has been dug close to the waste dumping site, causing seepage into open wells, which are the sole source of drinking water for residents. Additionally, an anganwadi with 15 children and a school are located near the site, intensifying the health risks posed by the contamination.
Anand emphasized that despite multiple complaints to the gram panchayat requesting that the dumping stop and the land be used for proper waste management, no action has been taken. He reiterated that the community is prepared to launch a protest if their demands are not met.
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