Trichy identifies 124 garbage dumping hotspots, reclaims 64

Trichy: As part of the state-wide ‘Thooimai Mission’ to promote sustainable waste management, Trichy Corporation has identified 124 garbage vulnerable points (GVPs) across its five zones, of which 64 have been cleaned and reclaimed.A survey conducted by the civic body found that banned plastic carry bags were being widely used to dump garbage along roadsides, near bridges, vacant plots and interior road junctions. The findings have prompted the corporation to intensify enforcement against the sale and use of plastic carry bags.Officials said many residents and shopkeepers continue to dump garbage in public spaces despite doorstep waste collection by a private solid waste management agency. “Every time after we complain about garbage dumped on roads, corporation workers are deputed to clean it. But the cycle never ends. Penalties must be levied to change people,” said Pannir Selvan, councillor of Ward 12.Officials also noted that waterbodies and canals flowing through the city are increasingly being used for garbage dumping.The highest number of GVPs was identified in Zone V covering Thillai Nagar, Woraiyur, Sastri Road and Vayalur Road areas, followed by Zone I (Srirangam) and Zone II (Ariyamangalam). Zone III (Thiruverumbur) recorded the least number of vulnerable spots.Many of these locations earlier had public garbage bins, which were removed after Trichy was declared a bin-free city in 2018 to encourage doorstep waste collection and source segregation. However, residents continue to dump waste at these spots during the night, officials said. Health officials warned that recurring garbage accumulation was leading to the spread of flies and rodents, besides attracting stray animals.The corporation said the reclaimed GVPs were being fenced, painted with graffiti and converted using discarded materials to discourage further dumping and promote behavioural change. The remaining 60 vulnerable points are expected to be reclaimed within a month.“Enforcement against plastic carry bags will be intensified. The public will also be involved in drives such as permanent transformation of garbage vulnerable points and cleaning of waterbodies to promote awareness on sustainable waste management as per SWM Rules, 2026,” city health officer Dr M Karthikeyan told TOI.