Cuttack launches intense cleanup drive to clear two decades of waste in just 3 months

Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) has launched an intense cleanup drive to clear nearly seven metric tonnes of legacy waste that has accumulated over two decades at Chakradharpur, the city’s designated dumping yard located near Mundali, stated a report from The Times of India.

The operation began on Friday (March 28) and is expected to be completed within three months using advanced waste processing machines. Notably, this move comes as part of a broader effort to improve waste management and urban hygiene in the expanding city, which plans to include additional areas under its jurisdiction soon.

Deployment of Advanced Machinery

The reports also had CMC Deputy Commissioner (Sanitation) Swetapadma Satpathy confirm that three private agencies have been engaged to expedite the cleanup. She noted that waste build-up has long been a challenge, posing both environmental and health risks to residents, and also expressed confidence in meeting the target on time, thanks to the deployment of advanced machines.

Orissa High Court Order Spurs Cleanup Initiative

The move comes after earlier this year, the Orissa High Court directed CMC to stop garbage dumping along the Mahanadi riverbanks, following allegations of dumping at the Gadagadia Ghat adjacent to the historic Bali Yatra fairground.

The special bench, comprising Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo and Justice V Narasingh, took cognizance of a media report highlighting the environmental hazards and ordered immediate action. Further, officials were instructed to relocate the waste to a designated dumping yard and submit a compliance report within two weeks.

Waste Accumulation and Its Impact

Over the years, indiscriminate dumping near the Mahanadi riverbank, particularly in wards 48 and 49, led to the formation of a garbage mound. Residents have also suffered due to frequent waste burning, which has significantly contributed to air pollution..