The impasse over the Bhuasuni dumping yard is almost over, claimed Urban Development Minister Usha Devi after a meeting with villagers on Tuesday.
Usha Devi said, “We heard all the demands of villagers and they will be fulfilled soon. However, we have sought nine months' time to address their grievances.”
According to sources, the Urban and Development Minister presided over the high-level meeting pertaining to dump yard at Lok Seva Bhawan in the presence of departmental secretary, Jatani MLA Sura Routray, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor Sulochana Das, BMC Commissioner, Daruthenga sarpanch Tapan Chakraborty and representatives of Daruthenga panchayat.
The rift between the BMC and the residents of Daruthenga area has been going on for more than three weeks. A few days ago, a youth was killed after being hit by a garbage-laden vehicle following which villagers stopped garbage-laden vehicles from entering their village and dumping the garbage.
As a result, BMC has been dumping truckloads of garbage at the Temporary Transit Centre (TTC) near Sainik School after the mishap. It is alleged that the move is polluting the adjoining areas of school premises.
It is pertinent to mention here that Bhubaneswar has literally turned into a dumping yard with garbage being littered and scattered in and around the city for the last two weeks.
Daruthenga Sarpanch Tapan Chakraborty said, “The concerned minister has assured to fulfill our demands. They have made it clear that garbage will be cleared through bio-mining process and Bhuasuni will get back its previous shape. The civic body will keep communicating us about the developments during the period in writing.”
Congress MLA, Sura Routray said, “BMC is drafting the proposals. Daruthenga villagers will discuss these proposals. However, the garbage-laden trucks will be allowed to enter and dump garbage. BMC has been told to remove garbage from the locality as soon as possible. A final decision in this regard will be taken tomorrow.”
Usha Devi further said, “We held a discussion and we would try to fulfill their demands as soon as possible. Though BMC has been given 9 months time to address their problems, we will try to fulfill their demands before time.”