Over the years, a total of 1.34 lakh tonnes of waste has accumulated

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the clean-up of a dump yard in Theetukkal, bringing relief to residents and conservationists.

According to officials, the dump yard, spread over 20 acres, was being used by the Udhagamandalam Municipality since 1972 for the dumping of waste generated in the town limits.

The land was leased from the Forest Department. The lease period expired in 2012, and it had not been renewed since. Over the years, a total of 1.34 lakh metric tonnes of waste had accumulated in the dump yard, officials said.

Around 30 houses are situated close by, and a number of species of wildlife, including birds, leopards and herbivores are commonly spotted around the yard, causing concern among conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts about the effect the garbage could have on the health of local residents and wildlife.

In an order in November, the NGT had asked the Udhagamandalam Municipality to stop the dumping of waste at the dump yard and take remedial measures to remove the more than 1.34 lakh tonnes of waste dumped there since 1972. It also directed the municipality to formulate an action plan to deal with waste in the future.

Micro-composting units

Speaking to The Hindu, The Nilgiris Collector, Innocent Divya, said the issue was ‘workable’. The district administration had already set up two micro-composting units in Khandal and four more were in the works.

“We will also begin bio-mining at the dump yard and initiate the clean-up of the yard belonging to the Forest Department and hand it over,” Ms. Divya said.