Orissa High Court orders closure of dumping yards in Cuttack

The Orissa High Court has ordered the immediate closure of dumping yards near Satichaura and Raghunathjew temple in Cuttack, citing serious sanitation issues that pose health risks to the community. 

Residents have long complained about the unpleasant odour and health hazards emanating from these dumping yards. In response to these grievances, the Court has also ordered the phased relocation of 14 micro composting centres currently situated near residential areas.

The Court’s directives have been largely welcomed by local residents, who see this as a necessary step towards improving their living conditions. 

“The stinking smell of dumping yards is just unbearable. It is even difficult to stay at home. It is very difficult while moving on the road and taking children to school,” said Md. Abdul Sehzad, a resident of Cuttack.

“We have been suffering a lot due to the dumping yard. We wholeheartedly welcome the Orissa High Court’s order for the closure of the dumping yards,” said Debashis Das, another resident of Cuttack.

However, this decision presents a challenge for the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) and local authorities, who are tasked with finding alternative locations for these waste sites beyond the city boundaries.

The Commissioner of the CMC has acknowledged the complexities involved in relocating these facilities and requested temporary leniency from the court. 

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“We will definitely obey the order of the Orissa High Court. We are searching for alternative places for the relocation purpose. As soon as we get alternative places, we will relocate the two dumping yards immediately. We will pray to the Court to give us some more time for the purpose,” said CMC Commissioner Anam Charan Matra.

Meanwhile, the District Collector has stressed that identifying new sites is a work in progress, aiming to proceed with relocations as new sites are finalised.

“We will try to comply with the direction of the honourable Orissa High Court as soon as possible,” said Cuttack Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde.

This development highlights the pressing need for effective waste management strategies in rapidly urbanising areas. With the current uncertainty surrounding the establishment of new sites, the situation underscores the challenges that urban authorities face in balancing development and environmental health priorities.