Meat waste raises hackles of residents

Madurai: A foul stench pervades almost a kilometre-long stretch of the Madurai–Trichy national highway from Othakadai Junction past Pandi Kovil Junction to Karrupayurani Junction. It emanates from the waste, especially meat, dumped on either side along with C&D waste, and plastic and packaging materials.

Following complaints from residents and commuters, Madurai corporation launched a drive to clean the mess on the highway, but the job was not fully completed. While waste from one side of the road was removed, the majority of that dumped on the other side of the divider was left untouched.

Apart from food packaging materials, C&D and plastic waste, a large amount of meat waste like chicken wings and other parts could be found spread across the area. Residents say such waste is constantly being dumped in the area, and regular cleaning is not being done either.

R Selvi, who lives nearby, said the waste included rotten meat, leaving a constant foul smell in the area. “We’re not sure where the waste is coming from, but it keeps accumulating and is only cleared after multiple complaints,” she said.

A senior corporation official said regular garbage collection and cleaning drives are undertaken in the area. “We are investigating the source of the meat waste dumping issue and will soon resolve the matter,” the official said, adding that fines will be imposed based on the findings.