The expert committee that was set up by the Kottayam District Congress Committee (DCC) to recommend solutions for tackling the Vadavathoor dumping yard issue has submitted its report.
Addressing a press meet here on Thursday, DCC president K.C. Joseph M.L.A. said that the proposals laid down by the committee, led by environmental expert Dr. K.P. Joy, has highlighted several points in dealing with the issue. “The report, submitted to Minister for Local Self-Government Paloli Mohammed Kutty, is the result of a thorough study,” he said.
Mr. Joseph also pointed the need to deal with the issue in a responsible manner. “The issue should not be politicised. It should also be noted that it is not practicable to shift the dumping yard at the blink of an eye. A collective decision should be arrived at to tackle the issue,” he said.
Dr. Joy stressed the need to review the entire practice of dumping at the yard. “Contrary to scientific methods, the dumping at the yard is being done in such a manner that there is no flow of air into the garbage heap. This anaerobic decomposition has led to the rise of stench in the locality. Likewise, many other factors like the inability to block the seepage of rain water, which later leads to a leachate flow, have been responsible in snowballing the issue into the present crisis,” he said.
Among the other recommendations, he pointed out the need to compact the existing garbage at the yard and burying it with soil. This method could lead to a significant reduction in the stench arising from the garbage, he said.
He also criticised the Ramky Group, which was entrusted with the responsibility of waste management at the yard, for their unscientific approach. “The company has not followed the standard accepted practices. The Municipality should take consider immediate steps to review its contract with the company,” he said.
