Garbage piles up in Rayagada streets

RAYAGADA: The Rayagada municipality, one of the oldest in the State, has failed to address the civic issues of the town. The locals are allegedly reeling under the stench of huge piles of garbage accumulated over last few months. It all started with the municipality resolving to implement mechanised sanitation. Contracts of the labourers were not renewed. While the labourers refused to settle for an interim arrangement, regular employees started demanding immediate payment of arrears, throwing the functioning of sanitation department into disarray. Even the District Collector’s threat to invoke the Essential Services Maintenance Act failed to solve the issue. Last month, Yuva Vikash Parishad, a social organisation, had threatened to launch an agitation against the municipality’s inaction, following which Executive Officer of the municipality, Ruba Kesari Dalai promised to clear the mess by July 5 in writing. However, the filth continues to accumulate, providing a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Dalai blames the public for littering the streets with garbage. “Work was halted for the Rath Yatra,” he added.