CHENNAI: Segregating waste at the source is causing inconvenience to the residents of Pulianthope.

Chennai: Residents of Old Venkatesapuram in Pulianthope’s Kanigapuram have to wait for 20 minutes daily or take long alternative routes to reach Dr. Ambedkar College Road. Residents complained that sanitation workers segregating collected waste in the fourth street of Venkatesapuram occupy the entire road, and residents urged authorities to take immediate action. According to residents of Old Venkatesapuram, the fourth street is the only and easiest way for people to reach Brighton Road via Dr. Ambedkar College Road. If the street is blocked, they have to navigate through several lanes to reach Brighton Road. “Sanitation workers segregate the waste collected from door-to-door every day after 9 am. This reduces the width of the street, leaving space for only one bike to pass. Anyone with a car has to wait for at least half an hour until the waste segregation work is completed,” alleged Karthik, a resident of Old Venkatesapuram. He also added, “People in the area depend on Metro Water tanker lorries for drinking water. The waste segregation leads to clashes between Metro Water staff and sanitation workers.” Another resident complained about the foul smell emanating from the waste, as sanitation workers segregate it there. He mentioned that since there are religious places nearby, many motorists frequent the area, and many people are inconvenienced by the stench. “We need immediate action from GCC officials,” the resident said. Ward 72 Councillor M Saravanan acknowledged that waste segregation in the street is causing inconvenience. “People are not allowed to keep dustbins on the street, and they lack self-discipline. Even with dustbins available, they continue to litter in public places. We are deploying 37 new battery-operated vehicles to collect garbage from door to door. We are also looking for alternative locations for waste segregation.”