Madikeri: Solid waste management has become a problem in Srimangala town, Kodagu district, which has led to anger against civic officials. Villagers have alleged that there is a threat of epidemic diseases due to piling up of garbage and indiscriminate disposal of garbage at various places in the town. They said garbage has been disposed of in open drains, clogging them, leading to a foul smell.Locals have complained that the gram panchayat is not carrying out regular cleaning work every day. Srimangala chamber of commerce president Manira Muthappa said that drains near bus stand are filled with garbage and thousands of plastic bottles. He alleged that the gram panchayat officials have not responded. Due to inadequate sanitation in the town, environmental pollution is increasing, which is likely to have an adverse impact on public health. He said that there is a fear that the problem will worsen as the drains get clogged during monsoon, and the water will not flow smoothly.Locals have demanded to immediately undertake a sanitation drive across the town and dispose the accumulated waste appropriately.
