Udupi, June 14: Social activist Srikanth Kuchuru has called for an immediate and comprehensive investigation into a series of recurring fire incidents at waste disposal units across Udupi district, citing growing public suspicion.
Addressing a press conference in Udupi, Kuchuru highlighted several recent blazes that have raised serious questions among residents. These include incidents at Koteshwar and Warambali, the Belve unit in Hebri taluk, the MRF facility serving 16 villages also in Hebri taluk, and most recently, the Karikalli dumping yard under Karkala municipality.
The activist underscored the severity of these fires, noting that they destroy more than just accumulated garbage. Machinery, essential equipment, and even structural buildings, collectively valued at lakhs of rupees, have been lost in these conflagrations. Kuchuru expressed frustration with local officials, stating that their responses to queries about the incidents have been vague and inadequate.
He specifically challenged the explanation offered by authorities for a fire at the SLRM unit in Hebri, which was attributed to intense summer heat. Kuchuru questioned this reasoning by pointing out that the recent fire at the Karikalli dumping yard occurred during the rainy season, suggesting a need for deeper scrutiny into the causes.
These waste management units, constructed under the Swachh Bharat scheme, represent a significant investment of public tax money. Kuchuru warned that the repeated destruction of these facilities would necessitate spending billions more in public funds for their reconstruction. He therefore urged the District Collector to take these incidents seriously, ensuring a transparent and exhaustive inquiry to address the public's mounting doubts and provide clear answers.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi