‘Madikeri Has the Worst Waste Management’: Upa Lokayukta Raps Officials Over Garbage Disposal

Justice Phaneendra visited the garbage disposal unit near Stonehill in Madikeri on Friday.

Madikeri: Upa Lokayukta Justice K.N. Phaneendra on Friday came down heavily on officials after inspecting the garbage disposal unit and city market in Madikeri, expressing serious concern over poor sanitation, mismanagement and lack of basic civic infrastructure in Madikeri. He also directed officials to register a case against the staff responsible and initiate appropriate disciplinary action.

Justice Phaneendra visited the garbage disposal unit near Stonehill at around 7 a.m. During the inspection, he voiced his displeasure over the manner in which waste was being handled.

He stressed that garbage should be disposed of using scientific methods and observed that the present situation was the result of a lack of commitment on the part of the authorities. He criticised officials of the Madikeri City Municipal Council and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), directing them to consult experts on scientific waste management and implement their recommendations. He also sought an action-taken report from the officials.

“I have already visited all the districts in Karnataka, and I found that Madikeri has the worst waste management. Waste is being dumped in the mountains. While no one may be affected as of now, people are likely to face serious consequences in the coming years due to this unscientific waste management,” he said.

Later, the Upa Lokayukta inspected the Madikeri city market, where he expressed dissatisfaction over its poor maintenance. Traders complained that the market gets flooded during the monsoon, making it difficult to conduct business. They also pointed to the absence of a proper drainage system, which has resulted in unhygienic conditions and waterlogging.

Justice Phaneendra subsequently visited the Government bus stand and instructed officials to improve passenger amenities by installing CCTV cameras, drinking water facilities and clocks.

The inspection was attended by Kodagu Deputy Commissioner S.J. Somashekar, District Legal Services Authority Member Secretary Shubha, Superintendent of Police Bindu Mani, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Anand Prakash Meena, Deputy Conservator of Forests Abhishek and Assistant Commissioner Nitin Chakki, among other officials.

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