Residents block highway seeking shifting of dumping yard

: Vehicular traffic was disrupted for nearly one hour on Pollachi-Pallakkad highway, following a road blockade by about 100 people,demanding immediate shifting of a garbage dumping yard near Pollachi, which they claimed caused health hazards, particularly to children.
The residents of Nallur squatted in the middle of the road and complained that frequent fires and resultant smoke in the yard caused breathing problems and heart-related diseases, particularly among children, police said.
Despite various representations, authorities had failed to take action and the residents were forced to come to the streets to draw the attention of higher officials, they said.
Senior district and police officials rushed to the area and assured the agitators that action would be taken in this regard.

The agitators dispersed after saying they would intensify their stir if the authorities concerned failed to fulfill their assurances, police said.