Building debris & domestic waste menace overwhelm Hebbal Industrial Area

By S.N. Venkatnag Sobers

Industries are the backbone of a nation’s growth, and while they contribute significantly to the exchequer through annual taxes, they expect the Government to provide at least the basic amenities required for smooth operations.

However, the grand promises made by authorities to lure industries into setting up units are often forgotten, remaining confined to paper.

Initially well-maintained, industrial areas over time become neglected and forgotten. A glaring example is the Hebbal Industrial Area in Mysuru, which now stands as a symbol of official apathy and broken assurances.

Established during the tenure of then Chief Minister D. Devaraj  Urs and Industries Minister S.M. Krishna, the Hebbal Industrial Area spans 2,000 acres and lands have been allotted to various industries.

It houses major companies such as Infosys, JK Tyre, San Engineering and Locomotives, and Bhoruka Fabcons, putting Mysuru on the global industrial map. Alongside these giants, numerous small and micro-industries also operate here.

Despite its economic contribution, the area now suffers from severe infrastructure neglect. Industry representatives have repeatedly voiced their frustration over the poor state of civic amenities, but to little effect.

Garbage, debris and stench

One of the most pressing issues plaguing Hebbal Industrial Area is the indiscriminate dumping of solid waste along the roads. Domestic garbage and construction and demolition debris lie scattered in heaps, emitting a foul stench that makes commuting a nightmare. The situation worsens during rains as the waste clogs pathways and creates hazardous, slippery conditions.

The roads inside the industrial estate are riddled with potholes, making vehicular movement difficult and dangerous. During the rainy season, these potholes get submerged, leading to frequent accidents.

Shockingly, the entire area lacks a proper stormwater drainage system. Mud and slush dominate the streets, creating unhygienic and unmotorable conditions, except in patches around major industries and software conglomerates like Infosys.

From the Royal Inn Junction, which marks the starting point of the industrial area, one encounters overgrown weeds, clogged drains, broken cement blocks and stagnant water — a clear picture of civic neglect. Responsibility for maintaining the area lies with the Hootagalli City Municipal Council (CMC).

Industries pay, but get nothing in return

According to Suresh Kumar Jain, Secretary of the Mysore Industries Association, the Hootagalli CMC has collected Rs. 60 crore in the past three years from industries, but it has done nothing to infrastructure development.

“Industries were made to pay dual taxes — Property Tax to the governing City Municipal Council and a maintenance fee to the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB). Only in April this year, the government directed that property taxes in Special Investment Regions (SIRs) be paid to KIADB. We’ve been demanding better roads, streetlights and debris clearance for years — but our pleas fall on deaf ears,” he said.

‘Tired of running pillar to post’

A.S. Satish, President of the Mysuru District Small Scale Industries Association (MDSSIA), said industrialists were exhausted after years of chasing authorities.

“Waste management is our biggest issue. Construction debris from across the city is dumped here. Domestic garbage is thrown along the roadsides, leaving behind an unbearable stench. Despite our requests, no solid waste management units have been established. The guidelines for maintaining industrial estates are not being followed, even though we are taxed regularly,” he said.

Echoing this concern, Utsav Agarwal, Director of Bhoruka Fabcons Pvt. Ltd., said, “The roads are in a pathetic state. Garbage is dumped everywhere. It’s unclear how so much waste is generated or allowed to be dumped here.”

Authorities cite constraints

On the other hand, Hootagalli CMC Commissioner Chandrashekar claimed that the Council is overwhelmed with responsibilities following the addition of new areas under its jurisdiction.

“We’ve identified around 15 large industries and urged them to help segregate dry and wet waste using their workforce, but haven’t received any cooperation. The CMC handles about 40 tonnes of solid waste daily but has only 2 acres of land for waste segregation. Although the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) allotted 7 acres of land for this purpose, the project is stalled due to a pending Court case. Until the case is resolved, we’re at a standstill,” he said.

He also mentioned that the Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste Treatment Plant planned by the MCC may help mitigate the debris problem once functional.

Chandrashekar admitted that night-time dumping was another challenge. “Most of the waste is dumped past midnight. We can’t monitor the area round the clock unless CCTV cameras are installed and a dedicated task force is assigned,” he said.

No parking for heavy vehicles

Heavy vehicles are a common sight in Hebbal Industrial Area, yet the locality lacks designated truck parking facilities. As a result, trucks are parked along the Ring Road’s service lanes, obstructing traffic and causing regular disruptions.

Despite repeated complaints, the problem has remained unresolved for years. Truck terminals, like the one on Mysuru-Nanjangud Road, could offer a practical solution. But  who cares, nobody knows.