Minister for Industries A.C. Moideen has asked local bodies and officials concerned to take strict measures to prevent the dumping of waste in drains by hotels, abattoirs, and juice shops.
He was responding to issues raised by people’s representatives at a meeting held on Tuesday to review the progress of Haritha Kerala Mission.
Mr. Moideen praised the work carried out in the district under the Mission. He said that more needed to be done in the district which had set a model for the rest of the State.
Revival of waterbodies and promotion of organic farming came in for special praise by the Minister. Cleaning and waste treatment campaigns are also being planned in association with the project. Door-to-door visits will be undertaken to collect data on waste treatment.
An action plan to be formed on this basis will be executed in a time-bound manner. Mr. Moideen urged local bodies to make use of the provision empowering them to decide that only covered vehicles should be used for waste movement. Panchayat-level coordination of various departments should be undertaken without fail in connection with the Haritha Kerala Mission.
He also sought accurate data collection on migrant workers, contractors, those renting out houses and employers. Organisations should treat the waste generated by them and local bodies should exercise their powers to that effect.
Stern action demanded
P.T. Thomas, MLA, sought stern action against those dumping toilet waste, and waste from workshops, and other such facilities along road.
Labour officers should take measures to make employers responsible for ensuring better living conditions for migrant workers.
Anwar Sadat, MLA, called for immediate measures to remove waste dumped alongside Aluva KSRTC garage.
Mayor Soumini Jain said that government should enforce restrictions against dumping of plastic and other waste in public places. She said that such practices by roadside eateries and vendors within the corporation limits posed serious health issues.
Ms. Jain also sought strict action by food safety officials against those responsible for adulteration of food and steps to open the septage plant at Vathuruthy.
District panchayat president Asha Sanil said that use of shredded plastic in road surfacing should be strictly enforced.
A project to set up plastic shredding units at block panchayat-level will be executed this financial year. Two persons each were being imparted training to make cloth bags as part of enforcing a complete ban of plastic carry bags, said Ms. Sanil and requested all panchayats to make optimum use of the project.
