Jamshedpur: The stretch of NH-33 near Madhusudan Complex in Mango is throwing up a difficult olfactory challenge, with residents accusing the civic authorities of leaving garbage unattended for nearly a month.

The Mango Notified Area Committee (MNAC), on the other hand, has accused citizens of littering the roadside instead of throwing leftovers in garbage vats. Residents, the MNAC has also claimed, are unwilling to pay the fee it has decided for door-to-door collection.

BusinessmanA.K. Singh, who owns a flat at Madhusudan Complex, said had they been satisfied with the MNAC's overall services, they would have had no problem shelling out a few extra bucks.

"How can the civic body not dispose of trash that is becoming an eyesore along the highway? On rainy days, waterlogging kicks up stench that can make your stomach churn. It is also a potential vector-breeding spot," Singh rued.

A resident of nearby Shiv Kumar Asthali Complex said vats provided by the MNAC were of little use because they were inadequate given the amount of waste generated by apartments in the area.

"We had brought the matter to the notice of the civic authorities, but to no avail. Serious action is required against the MNAC for its failure to dispose of garbage on a regular basis. The situation is not just unpleasant, but also grossly unhealthy," he said, requesting anonymity.

Customers visiting an automobile showroom near Madhusudan Complex too complained of foul smell. "The road leading to the showroom has turned into a dumping ground. The civic body should initiate immediate measures to clear the garbage," said Shobhna Rao who came to book a car on Sunday.

Special officer of MNAC Rajendra Gupta said they had recently introduced the door-to-door garbage collection system for a fee in command areas. "Housing societies and commercial establishments are required to pay Rs 2,000 each. But, most of them are reluctant to pay for the service," he said.

Gupta insisted that despite residents not co-operating, the MNAC was doing its bit.

"Garbage vats are cleared at frequent intervals. But, if people litter the area instead of using the vats we have provided, it is their fault that the highway stretch has become unhygienic. People should first mend their ways and follow guidelines instead of pointing fingers at the MNAC," he added.