KALYAN: The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation has intensified its crackdown on people dumping garbage in open spaces across the twin-city area. Over the past 15 days, cases have been registered against more than 100 people at different police stations, officials said. The action is being led by the KDMC’s Solid Waste Management Department Deputy Commissioner Ramdas Kokare, who said the strict drive will continue to maintain cleanliness and improve public health conditions in the city. According to Kokare, residents in areas where action has been taken have now started following garbage disposal rules and are handing over waste directly to garbage collection vehicles at designated times. He said many people dump waste at night to avoid detection. Officials said open dumping of leftover food, chicken, meat and fish waste attracts stray dogs, increasing dog-bite incidents, especially among children and senior citizens. Open garbage also creates foul smells and unhygienic surroundings, affecting residents’ health. Most cases have been registered in Kalyan East and other garbage-prone areas. Kokare appealed to residents to inform the civic body if garbage collection vehicles are not arriving regularly in their localities. KDMC officials said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 300 open dumping spots were shut and garbage bins removed to encourage door-to-door waste collection. The civic body now plans to further strengthen the cleanliness drive.
