Gajuwaka GTS Row: Minister Promises Solution Amid Protests

Municipal Administration Minister P. Narayana on Tuesday inspected the Garbage Transfer Station (GTS) near Ramachandranagar in Gajuwaka, where protests have intensified over the past two months with residents demanding its relocation.

Accompanied by Palla Srinivasa Rao, Mayor Peela Srinivasa Rao, and local corporators, the Minister reviewed waste-handling operations at the site. He examined the process from collection through CLAP vehicles to transportation to the Kapuluppada dumping yard at Marikavalasa. He also inspected the compactor unit, which has remained non-functional for several years.

GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg and engineering officials briefed him on the situation.

Residents from 16 nearby localities gathered in large numbers and voiced serious concerns over health and environmental issues. Many women said respiratory and skin ailments were common, while also pointing to gynaecological problems and a rise in cancer cases in recent years.

Locals also complained about the unbearable stench from the site, stating that it disrupts daily life. Some alleged that authorities carried out partial clean-up operations ahead of the Minister’s visit, while heaps of garbage usually remain at the site.

Responding to the concerns, Mr. Narayana said the government is examining solutions to avoid dumping waste at the GTS. He noted that the waste-to-energy plant currently handles about 1,400 tonnes per day against a capacity of 2,000 tonnes, and added that direct transportation using 33-tonne compactors is under consideration.

Meanwhile, Mr. Palla Srinivasa Rao said nearly 450 tonnes of waste from Gajuwaka, Aganampudi, and Pendurthi reach the station daily. He added that steps such as deploying more compactors and increasing MS containers from eight to 30 are being taken to improve waste management.

However, Dumping Yard Porata Committee member B. Ramana reiterated that residents are seeking complete relocation of the GTS, stating that alternative measures would not address their core concerns.