Angry scenes in Batticaloa after fire at garbage dump

A major fire swept through a large garbage dump in Manmunai Southwest Divisional Secretariat Division in Batticaloa on May 1, causing enormous discomfort to area residents. 

However, there were angry scenes in the area the following day when authorities attempted to dump garbage in the same area again.

Angry residents blocked the road and said the garbage dump was a major health hazard for them as their drinking wells were contaminated by garbage while their paddy fields had also suffered the same fate.

Police and Divisional Secretariat officials who rushed to the site promised residents that a solution would be found. The protesters later dispersed. 

Story and Pix by Deva Athiran

 

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