VISAKHAPATNAM:The Kambalakonda reserve forest area is turning into a dumping yard for construction debris in the city. An increasing number of people are dumping building debris at the Jodugullapalem-Visakha Valley School stretch, unmindful of the environmental destruction they are causing, while forest authorities continue to turn a blind eye.
Mounds of debris greets visitors at the area from Jodugullapalem to Visakha Valley School. A little further, a board erected by the AP Forest Department, says: “Littering is prohibited”, while tonnes of dumped construction waste has piled up right next to it.
The Jodugullapalem-Visakha Valley School stretch has also the dubious distinction of being a booze spot for youngsters and college students. Several illegal incidents too take place on the stretch as there is no surveillance either by the Forest Department or the police in the area. In the latest development, the area is seen littered with huge piles of construction debris. Besides, heaps of liquor bottles, empty coconut shells and dry palm fruits are also found.
Sources said that in daytime, many debris-laden lorries and small trucks unload building debris. Lack of vigilance is said to be the only reason for these activities. “The area doesn’t have any type of vigilance at all. During night, we spot a number of people, particularly youngsters parking their vehicles beside the road and boozing,” said M Suribabu, a student who resides in a hostel near Visakha Valley School.
“The government officials keep harping on about Swachh Bharat, but the forest areas are turning into dumping yards. The debris should be cleared and shifted to identified dumping yards immediately,” said G Srinivas, a green activist from the city.
Speaking to the Express, District Forest officer P Ram Mohana Rao said that such situations existed in the past as well. “If it comes to the notice of the department, we would take legal action against violators and seize the vehicles. Night vigilance will also be set up in the area,” he said.