Garbage and industrial waste dumped in large areas of vacant plots near Chinniyampalayam, which have been acquired for the expansion of the Coimbatore International Airport, were removed on Thursday.

The action was taken after The Hindu highlighted the issue on Wednesday (September 23).

Sources at the airport said the Airports Authority of India (AAI), in coordination with the District Collector, removed the waste, comprising foundry sand, waste from hotels and non-biodegradable waste. They added that work was completed, and access to such spots have also been blocked.

Residents from Chinniyampalayam said that the waste dumping had been happening in plots located between SST Mill Road and Chinniyampalayam–Irugur Road, which were acquired by the district administration for the airport expansion. The lands were handed over to the AAI after completion of the acquisition.

The AAI is currently in the efforts of building a compound wall around the entire parcels of land acquired for airport expansion, including the plots near Chinniyampalayam where waste dumping happened.