Kerala Waste Dispute: Corporation and Clean Kerala Company Clash Over Plastic Piles
A significant dispute has erupted between the Thiruvananthapuram city corporation and Clean Kerala Company Ltd (CKCL) regarding the clearance of plastic waste dumped along the service road at Panathura near Thiruvallam. This conflict unfolds amid growing protests from residents over the mounting health hazards posed by the accumulating garbage.
Mounting Health Concerns and Public Outcry
For several days, large quantities of non-biodegradable waste, particularly plastic, have been openly dumped along the roadside, raising serious concerns among local residents. With repeated complaints yielding little response, the situation escalated into public protests, prompting urgent demands for intervention by the corporation to address the environmental and health risks.
Accountability Dispute and Corporate Response
Following the protests, the corporation directed CKCL, the state-designated agency for handling non-biodegradable waste, to remove the accumulated garbage. However, CKCL reportedly informed the civic body that waste collection in the area had been assigned to a sub-agency, leading to confusion over accountability.
Corporation officials firmly rejected this explanation, asserting that CKCL cannot shift responsibility by citing subcontracting arrangements. The civic body clarified that it has not appointed any private agency outside the existing framework, dismissing reports suggesting otherwise.
Official Statements and Urgent Actions
Mayor V V Rajesh highlighted recurring lapses by the company, stating, "We have issued strict instructions to clear the waste. We are willing to continue with the agency, but its functioning has been inefficient." Health standing committee chairperson M R Gopan echoed this stance, emphasizing that accountability rests with the agency entrusted with the work. "Clean Kerala Company Ltd cannot abdicate its responsibility by citing sub-contract arrangements," he said.
Gopan added that the corporation secretary has intervened to resolve the issue and initiated urgent steps to remove the waste piled up at Panathura. "Immediate action has been taken to clear the garbage and restore normalcy," he assured.
Strengthening Oversight and Future Measures
In a parallel move to enhance oversight, the corporation has decided to directly monitor non-biodegradable waste collection in 12 of its 62 wards. This step aims to improve accountability and prevent similar lapses in the future, ensuring better waste management practices across the city.
Background on CKCL and Resident Concerns
CKCL, a state-run entity under the local self-government department, is responsible for collecting and processing plastic and other non-biodegradable waste across Kerala. It operates material collection facilities and coordinates with local bodies to ensure scientific disposal and recycling.
CKCL officials were unavailable for comment on the ongoing dispute. Residents in Panathura expressed frustration, noting that the delay in clearing the waste has led to foul odours and environmental concerns along the coastal stretch, exacerbating health risks in the community.
