Environmentalists have raised concern over dumping of unsegregated waste in the open by Palladam Municipality and villages in the surrounding.

The Palladam Municipality, which is witnessing fast urbanisation across its 18 wards, has been struggling with solid waste management. The 20 village panchayats in the ambit of Palladam Block also face the same situation.

The burning of plastics is causing enormous damage to the environment, according to a representative of a farmers’ association.

The burning of mattresses, pillows, plastic materials and expired medical wastes along the Noyyal river embankment at Anaipalayam has also come in for severe criticism from residents.

The toxic fumes from the burning dumps are causing respiratory complications, the residents complained and urged the authorities to take effective steps.