Naxalbari, 26th May: In a display of frustration and discontent, residents of Hudubhita in Naxalbari gheraoed the BDO office today to protest against the solid waste management project in their village. The residents claimed that the presence of the waste management site has made it unbearable to live in the area due to the foul odor and the resulting infestation of flies and mosquitoes.
Alleging that their quality of life has been severely impacted, the residents gathered at the BDO office and submitted a memorandum to both the Naxalbari Gram Panchayat and the Naxalbari Police Station, demanding the immediate closure of the solid waste management project.
Responding to the concerns, Naxalbari Panchayat Pradhan, Jayanti Kiro, assured the residents that necessary actions have been initiated. She explained that previously, there were no residential structures near the waste management site, but with the construction of new houses, problems emerged. Pradhan Kiro further stated that once the compost machine becomes operational, it will help alleviate the issue.
Naxalbari BDO, Arindam Mandal, also acknowledged the grievances raised by the residents and stated that the administration has requested a three-month grace period to address the concerns. He shared that efforts are underway to establish a plant in Bagdogra, which includes the acquisition of compost and plastic recycling machines. Mandal assured the residents that once the plant becomes operational, it will effectively resolve the problem.