Udupi: Environmental & health concerns rise as waste piles up on NH66

While waste management within Udupi city appears somewhat satisfactory, the piles of waste dumped along the National Highway 66 stretch from Katapadi to Nittur stand in stark contrast, mocking the city’s vision of a cleaner Udupi.

The 15-kilometer stretch from Katapadi to Nittur is littered with waste at various points, creating a foul and unsightly environment. The waste is rotting, releasing an unbearable stench that assails passersby. Residents living along this stretch bear the brunt of this unsanitary situation.

The waste includes old clothes, food packaging, footwear, broken household items, plastic bottles, and even debris from demolished buildings. People appear to be treating the roadside as a dumping ground, leaving behind mounds of refuse.

Along the Katapadi-Nittur stretch, several small streams flow into larger bodies of water, such as the Udyavara and Indrani rivers. These streams are now filled with garbage bags, causing severe pollution and environmental degradation. The indiscriminate dumping has turned these water bodies into breeding grounds for diseases.

According to Honnamma, a Nittur resident, the waste decomposes and emits a strong, unpleasant odor that becomes overpowering, especially on windy days. She believes the constant stench is impacting air quality and could lead to health issues for those in the vicinity.

Dry and wet waste is dumped in these areas, leading stray animals and cattle to consume contaminated food. This poses a direct risk to their health, potentially causing further harm to the local ecosystem.

Local residents and travelers alike are appealing for a sustainable solution to address this issue before it escalates into a larger environmental and health crisis.