Mayapur roads choked with garbage heaps ahead of Jagannath Yatra; Locals blame Panchayat inaction

In Mayapur, a well-known international pilgrimage and tourist destination in Nadia district, garbage heaps have accumulated along roadsides, emitting a strong stench and causing severe inconvenience to residents and visitors. The problem has persisted for several weeks, and locals claim that the Mayapur-Bamunpukur-2 Number Panchayat has not taken any significant steps despite repeated appeals. The piles of waste are spread across various locations, including near residential areas and religious spots.

Locals allege that people are dumping plastic bags filled with waste, including leftover food from hotels, empty water bottles, and other garbage, directly onto the roads. This waste has been left to rot in the open, attracting stray animals that further scatter the trash across the area. The situation is especially concerning as the Snan Yatra and Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath approach, when thousands of pilgrims are expected to visit Mayapur.

Mamta Sultana, a student of class nine from Dongapara, said, “I go to Nabadwip Girls’ School every day through this road. I have to pass through the garbage, and I cover my nose with a handkerchief.” Rajesh Debnath, a private tutor from Swarupganj, said, “I go to the Mayapur hospital crossing for tuition. I pass by the garbage pile daily, and often see dogs and cats dragging waste onto the road.”

According to locals, there are no dustbins placed along the main roads, leading to indiscriminate dumping. Toto driver Manab Das stated that due to the absence of proper disposal facilities, many people throw plastic packets and bottles onto the streets. Tourists visiting Mayapur have also expressed dissatisfaction with the unhygienic conditions. Gaur Das, a visitor from Birbhum, said the condition of garbage in Mayapur was unlike anything he had seen elsewhere.

Panchayat member Swapna Mandal stated that some hotel operators are dumping waste during the night, and the panchayat should consider steps against them. Maitreyee Ghosh, the panchayat pradhan, said, “We had cleaned this area before. The panchayat will clean the place again.” Locals claim a promised warning board to discourage garbage dumping has still not been installed.