Huliyaru
Strong opposition has emerged from villagers in Huliyaru against the proposed construction of a solid waste disposal unit planned by the Huliyaru Town Panchayat near Melanahalli village in the hobli. The resistance came to the fore when Tahsildar M. Mamatha visited the proposed site for inspection, only to be confronted by residents who firmly stated that they would not permit the project under any circumstances.
According to villagers, the establishment of a solid waste disposal unit near their habitation would pose serious risks to health, agriculture, and the local environment. They expressed fears of foul odor, groundwater contamination, spread of diseases, and long-term ecological damage. Residents made it clear to officials that they were united in their opposition and would continue to resist any attempts to go ahead with the project at the identified location.
Officials revealed that the proposal to construct a solid waste disposal unit in Huliyaru town has been pending for several years. Despite recognizing the urgent need for proper waste management infrastructure, the authorities have faced repeated setbacks due to resistance from local communities. Over the years, five or six alternative locations were identified for the unit, but each proposal failed due to objections raised by villagers in the respective areas.
In the latest attempt, revenue officials identified government land at Melanahalli, situated on the border of the hobli, as a suitable site. Sources said the land was earlier classified as a cattle ranch, and an application filed by farmers claiming rights over the land was dismissed by the sub-divisional officer on the grounds that the land was not under active cultivation. Following this decision, officials proceeded to change the land account to facilitate the establishment of the Huliyaru Town Panchayat’s solid waste disposal unit.
However, this administrative move has triggered strong resentment among the villagers of Melanahalli and surrounding areas. Residents argued that the land, though classified as government property, is closely linked to their livelihoods and local ecosystem.