Himachal: Dust and mess, villagers protest against new dumping site

Himachal Pradesh: Residents of Banuradu village in Dharamshala’s Baghni panchayat have been having sleepless nights due to a new dumping and loading site next to their homes. The site has created a lot of mess, making the area highly polluted with dust and heavy machinery, vehicles, tractors, loaders and tippers keep plying round the clock, which has become a major nuisance for the locals. The matter has been reported to the panchayat and other law enforcing agencies for immediate action. Col HS Mankotia, an 85-year-old retired soldier who had built his house here to enjoy a peaceful retirement after his long military service, is among those who are unable to accept the situation.

He questions how such noisy and disruptive operations can be approved by the government. The narrow rural road regularly used by these heavy vehicles has been damaged, including side drains. “The constant movement of vehicles to and from the site is not only disruptive but also a serious safety risk for commuters,” said a resident who did not wish to be named. The constant noise and unruly behaviour of the drivers has also caused frustration among local women, while the dust generated by the loading and unloading of sand, gravel and bricks near residential areas has raised health concerns. The constant movement of these heavy vehicles causes great discomfort to the elderly, critically ill patients and students in the area.