A huge pile of garbage dumped on the roadside opposite Dr Pendsey’s Diabetes Clinic and Research Centre at Kusumanil Square, Dhantoli, has turned the busy hospital lane into a health hazard. The spot is on Daji Ramchandra Deshmukh Marg, besides Dhantoli Garden, adjoining the MSEDCL sub-centre - a stretch known as the city’s hospital area with dozens of clinics, labs and nursing homes. During a spot visit by ‘The Hitavada’ on Tuesday, it was found that mixed waste including plastic bags, medical papers, food waste, dry leaves and household trash was lying uncleared for days. Two stray cattle were seen feeding on the garbage. The heap has spread to the road, forcing cars and two-wheelers to squeeze past. A foul smell hangs over the area and the waste is seen flying onto the road.

 

What makes it more glaring is the wall behind the dump. It carries a mural of gloved hands holding a globe - a message of hygiene and healthcare - but just in front of it lies tons of uncollected waste. Though Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) claims door-to-door collection and daily lifting is being done, the ground reality at Dhantoli is different. Residents alleged the garbage van does not come regularly. An employee working in the Diabetes Clinic said patients are suffering because of the dump. “This is daily nuisance. NMC says they collect garbage every day, but it is not happening here. Patients coming for diabetes check-up and children have to walk past this garbage. The stench enters our premises. Cows come and scatter the waste further. We have complained to conservancy staff, but lifting is irregular. This is a hospital zone, it should be cleaned at least twice a day,” he said. Residents have demanded regular door-to-door collection and immediate lifting at Kusumanil Square to keep the Dhantoli hospital area clean and infection-free.