Garbage burning at the municipal dump at Pattanamkathan in Ramanathapuram.
| Photo Credit: L. Balachandar
Residents of Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) Colony at Pattanamkathan staged a protest at the Collector’s office here on Monday, demanding removal of Ramanathapuram municipal garbage dump located in the area.Over 100 residents from Pattanamkathan TNHB Colony, joined by representatives of the All-India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA), staged the protest, demanding immediate removal of the municipal garbage dump.The demonstrators raised slogans before submitting a petition to District Collector M. Sivaguru Prabhakaran.AIDWA representative Kannagi said, “The garbage in the municipal dump has been burning for over a month, and smoke is spreading to the surrounding areas. As a result, residents of the colony, Pattanamkathan, Sakkarakottai, and Amman Kovil panchayats, as well as the Police Battalion complex, are being affected.”“Over 10,000 residents are suffering due to the foul smell and smoke from the burning garbage. Despite complaints, the municipal administration has not taken any action. Sewage brought from Pattanamkathan and Sakkarakottai panchayats is also being dumped near TNHB Colony, creating a stagnant pool,” she added.Local people were suffering from the overwhelming odour, and the resultant unsanitary conditions were causing many residents to fall sick with various illnesses, the protesters said.The TNHB Colony area lacked proper roads, Ms. Kannagi said, adding, “Because of this, there is no bus service for students and daily wage earners. Commuters are forced to get off at East Coast Road junction and walk two kilometers to reach their colony.”At night, with no streetlights, there was a lack of safety for women walking on this stretch. There were also frequent power cuts in the residential area, she alleged.She warned that if the garbage dump was not removed, and basic amenities were not provided, the residents of the area would gather on East Coast Road and stage a road blockade. Published - July 07, 2026 08:22 pm IST
