District Collector Biju Prabhakar on Tuesday held a discussion with political party representatives and residents of Rajaji Nagar on the immediate steps to be taken to solve the issue of waste dumping in the Chengalchoola-Thampanoor canal, which obstructs the flow of storm water.
The immediate steps include fencing of either side of the drain in a phased manner, placing of aerobic bins to handle the waste generated within Chengalchoola, setting up of CCTV cameras at key areas and an arrangement to collect the dumped waste from the colony.
He said that stringent action would be taken against repeat offenders.
One of the main complaints of the residents was regarding the dumping of waste collected from elsewhere by Kudumbasree workers who are residing in the colony.
Few others complained about waste from restaurants being dumped inside the drains. Wherever fencing has been done, it has been cut to dump waste. The lack of waste bins and other waste management arrangements within the colony has also compounded the problem.
Width of drain
Another complaint of the residents was regarding the width of the drain behind the Hycinth Hotel and further down, which has caused reduction in flow.
The Collector said that the waste dumped in the canal was obstructing the flow of water along the Chengalchoola-Thampanoor canal, which was cleaned recently as part of the Operation Anantha flood mitigation drive.
Stringent action
He said that cases of repeated offences would be dealt with stringent rules including the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA).
He said that another meeting involving officials of various departments, Corporation officials, Kudumbasree workers, and residents of the areas would be convened within two weeks to further discuss the issue and finalise a solution.
