Residents of the Kamaranga Bari area under Gournagar Gram Panchayat in Kailashahar have raised serious concerns over open dumping of expired cold drinks near a private waste processing factory and pollution related hazards. Villagers have accused the factory of causing air pollution, blocking drainage systems and creating health hazards, while alleging inaction from local authorities despite the facility being located near a rural sub-health centre.
Kailashahar (Tripura): A health concern has emerged in Kamaranga Bari area of Kailashahar after several village children allegedly consumed expired cold drinks that were kept openly near a roadside area and later fell ill.
According to local residents, the expired beverage bottles were stored at a private factory located beside the newly constructed Gournagar Sub Health Centre. The incident has triggered anger among villagers, who have questioned how expired food products could remain accessible to children in an open public area.
Residents alleged that the foul smell coming from the expired cold drink bottles has also created discomfort for people living nearby and commuters using the road.
Waste Processing Factory Becomes Source of Local Concern
The factory, located in the Kamaranga Bari area under Gournagar Gram Panchayat, reportedly deals with discarded iron, plastic and glass materials collected from different parts of Unakoti district.
Villagers stated that the collected waste materials are brought to the factory, processed through machines into smaller pieces and packed before being transported outside the state.
However, residents alleged that the factory’s operations have created multiple problems for the locality over the years.
Roadside Waste Dumping Creates Movement Problems
Local residents claimed that discarded iron, plastic and glass materials are frequently kept along the roadside due to the factory’s location beside the main road.
According to villagers, old vehicles remain parked on both sides of the road throughout the year, while waste materials and broken pieces are scattered across the roadside.
Residents alleged that such conditions have made movement difficult for pedestrians and commuters. They also claimed that accidents occur frequently due to the scattered waste materials.
Blocked Drainage Causes Waterlogging During Rain
One of the major complaints raised by villagers is the alleged blockage of the roadside drainage system.
Residents said the drain was earlier used for water discharge from the village. However, they alleged that dumping of iron, plastic and glass waste has blocked the drainage channel over the past few years.
As a result, water cannot flow properly, and the area reportedly faces waterlogging whenever there is heavy rainfall.
Villagers Raise Pollution Concerns Over Noise and Smoke
Apart from waste-related issues, villagers have also alleged that the factory is creating noise and air pollution.
Residents claimed that heavy machines used for processing waste materials generate loud sounds, causing disturbance to people living nearby.
They further alleged that the factory burns different materials several times a week to extract metals such as copper and iron. According to villagers, smoke generated during the process spreads across the locality and affects the surrounding environment.
Health Centre Located Nearby Raises Safety Questions
Residents expressed concern that such activities are continuing right beside the Gournagar Sub Health Centre.
They questioned how a waste processing unit allegedly causing pollution and storing expired cold drink bottles could operate near a healthcare facility.
Villagers claimed that despite repeated concerns, local panchayat authorities and administration have not taken effective steps to resolve the issue.
Residents Allege Inaction and Demand Immediate Action
Local residents alleged that attempts to discuss the problems with the factory owner have not received a positive response. They claimed that villagers faced aggressive behaviour when they raised their concerns.
Some residents also alleged that the factory owner enjoys political influence, which they believe has prevented effective action. These allegations could not be independently verified.
Villagers have demanded immediate intervention from the administration to investigate the complaints, remove roadside waste, restore drainage facilities and ensure public health safety in the area.
News Analysis: Growing Rural Concerns Over Waste Management
The situation in Kamaranga Bari highlights broader concerns over waste management, industrial activity and rural public health safety. While recycling units can contribute to economic activity, residents argue that proper waste disposal, pollution control measures and regulatory monitoring are essential to protect nearby communities.
The villagers’ complaints underline the need for stronger coordination between local authorities, panchayat bodies and environmental agencies to ensure that industrial activities do not compromise public health and daily life.
Residents also re-affirmed they have nothing to do with factory – however, the factory must conform to minimum requirements relating to expired product dumping, waste management and controlling pollution. They also raised question about the role of the administration in monitoring the activities. However, as far as the allegation of children falling sick after consuming expired cold drinks is concerned, villagers could not confirm the number of affected children or no official confirmation was found.
