Poor upkeep of Collectorate premises irks public

Garbage heaps are set on fire at many places across the premises; plastic bottles, bags and PET bottles, among many unsegregated waste, go up in flames; abandoned vehicles are found at many places

Come Sunday, garbage heaps at many places on Madurai Collectorate premises are set on fire. Plastic bottles, bags and PET bottles, among many unsegregated waste, go up in flames.

It is no surprise that not many dustbins are found anywhere on the premises. One of the smouldering heaps was seen right beside a defunct toilet complex.

Further, abandoned vehicles are found at many places at the Collectorate, adding to the eyesore. A few trucks, SUVs, and lorries near the District Drug Warehouse remain almost submerged in wild growth of weeds and bushes laced with strewn away waste.

In contrast to the boards declaring the premises as a tobacco-free zone, cigarette butts are found near the canteens.

Adding to the uncleanliness of the place, empty alcohol bottles and irresponsibly discarded old batteries, plastic covers and wrappers can be seen, which makes one question the safety and surveillance right at the heart of the campus.

Over 10 stray dogs, including many with visible skin diseases, loiter around the premises. “Though they do not cause any trouble, many dogs look like they are suffering from psoriasis which do not make the public and visitors feel safe,” said V. Pechiammal, 65, a petitioner from Kottampatti.

Citing the posters of political parties and associations pasted on boundary walls and buildings, N. Ramesh, a petitioner from Kallandhri said that it is one of the many sights that tarnishes the image of the Collectorate. The walls do not bear any ‘Stick No Bills’ signs either. “In addition, there are no proper signage for petitioners to find the right office. Installing one would help everyone, especially the elderly visitors,” he added.