Garbage pile up in Karaikal streets raises health concerns among residents

Garbage is piling up on the streets of Karaikal due to shortage of workforce, raising health concerns among its residents

Garbage is piling up on the streets of Karaikal due to shortage of workforce, raising health concerns among its residents.

Existing sanitation workers are disgruntled over delayed wages. Over 300 sanitation workers employed by a private firm have been receiving delayed wages, leading to multiple protests in recent months and causing more than 50 workers to quit recently, worsening the labour shortage.

J. Suriya, coordinator of the Karaikal People’s Struggle Group, complained that garbage collection was irregular in the town. “Workers who used to come daily now only show up two or three times a week, leaving people to dump garbage in open spaces. Despite collecting taxes for waste management, the municipality is yet to resolve the issue,” he said.

Ponn. Panneerselvam, District Secretary of Dravidar Kazhagam, expressed concern over the growing trash piles. “The uncollected garbage is turning into a health hazard. With the threat of dengue ahead of the rainy season, residents fear stagnant garbage and overflowing drains could trigger further outbreaks. The government must act immediately before the situation worsens,” he said.

Municipality sources said they were in talks with the private firm responsible for garbage collection and are working to find a solution as soon as possible.