Garbage-filled drain at Belur Industrial Estate
Bad road in Belur Industrial Estate of Dharwad Garbage-filled drain at Belur Industrial Estate Bad road in Belur Industrial Estate of Dharwad Garbage-filled drain at Belur Industrial Estate Dharwad : Home to more than 500 industries and spread across 2,065 acres, the Belur Industrial Estate, one of North Karnataka’s largest manufacturing clusters, is fast becoming a symbol of civic neglect. Industrialists said they pay an annual maintenance fee of nearly Rs 40,000 per acre but see little improvement. Manjunath Gokavi, president of the Dharwad Growth Centre Industries Association, said the roads and drainage network built in 1988-89 have never undergone comprehensive repairs. Industrialist Shrikant Thite said 32 acres earmarked for a scientific waste management facility remain unused.
Stay updated with the latest Hubballi news.
Snakes and scorpions are frequently spotted on these roads, and darkness has encouraged anti-social activities,” a worker said. Industrialist Shirish Uppin said poor waste management has become a major concern. Responding to the complaints, KIADB zonal development officer Anandkumar Zalki said KIADB recently took over maintenance of the estate. “A proper drainage network will be taken up first, followed by road repairs and other infrastructure works,” he said, adding that a DPR for a scientific waste-processing facility has been sent to the govt for approval.
Cratered roads, overflowing garbage, damaged drains and dark streets are making life difficult for thousands of workers and entrepreneurs. Developed by the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB), the estate houses CNC machining units, automobile and auto-component manufacturers, textile industries, pharmaceutical companies and several other factories. Despite its industrial importance, basic infrastructure has remained poor for years. The estate’s main and internal roads are riddled with potholes, making commuting hazardous. During the monsoon, roads become slushy, disrupting the movement of workers and goods vehicles. The situation worsens after sunset, as the HP Gas Road and several internal stretches lack streetlights. “Workers have been assaulted and robbed while returning home at night. Industrial waste, hotel refuse, plastic, packing material and even chemical waste are dumped along roadsides and vacant plots, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes and flies. Several drains have collapsed and are clogged with garbage. During heavy rain, sewage and chemically contaminated water reportedly flows into nearby lakes. “Authorities promise roads, water and lighting while allotting plots. Once the money is collected, maintenance is forgotten,” they alleged. Here are more Raksha Bandhan wishes , Bhadra kaal and Shubh Muhurat from The Times of India. Download the TOI App.