Border tensions mount over Bidar garbage dumping

Metro India News | Hyderabad

A fresh dispute has erupted along the Telangana–Karnataka border after residents of Malgi village in Telangana's Sangareddy district strongly opposed the dumping of municipal waste transported from Karnataka's Bidar city. The protest, which has continued for nearly two weeks, intensified on Wednesday, triggering traffic disruption and renewed tensions between the border communities.

The villagers alleged that the Bidar Municipal Corporation has been dumping city garbage near Malgi, causing severe air and water pollution. They claimed the waste disposal has led to foul odour, environmental degradation and growing health concerns for residents. Despite repeatedly raising the issue with officials, they said no permanent solution has been provided.

As another convoy of nearly 40 garbage-laden vehicles arrived from Bidar, villagers blocked their entry into Telangana. During the confrontation, locals alleged that Bidar municipal officials and public representatives threatened them for resisting the dumping. They further claimed that municipal workers dumped tonnes of garbage directly on the Bidar–Malgi border road before leaving the area.

The garbage strewn across the road brought traffic between Bidar and Malgi to a complete halt, leaving long queues of vehicles stranded on both sides of the border. Commuters faced significant delays until authorities intervened.

Revenue and police officials, including the Tahsildar and the local Sub-Inspector, reached the spot to bring the situation under control. The garbage was cleared from the roadway, and traffic was restored after several hours. However, Malgi villagers maintained that they would continue their agitation until the dumping of Bidar's municipal waste in Telangana is stopped permanently.