Modern garbage treatment plants with the latest technology will be set up in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode, Minister for Urban Affairs Manjalamkuzhi Ali told the Assembly on Wednesday.
Replying to questions in the House, the Minister said the government was committed to find a permanent solution to the garbage problem faced by the State and availability of funds is not a problem for setting up the plants.
The company that had come forward to set up a plant at Chala in the capital had withdrawn from the project due to a host of problems, including the inordinate delay on the part of the City Corporation, he said.
The Government will set up septage treatment plants in all districts. The septage treatment plant in Ernakulam will be completed in six months and it will be followed by the one in Alappuzha and Palakkad.
Pointing out that sewerage was one of the main issues that had to be addressed, Mr. Ali said contracts had already been given to set up modern sewerage treatment plants, on the lines of Muttathara facility in the capital, at Ernakulam, Kollam and Kozhikode.
As many as 125 service providers with different technology for waste disposal and treatment are in the list. The Government had allocated Rs. 100 crore during the last three years for setting up biogas plants and pipe compost.
Organic farming
Minister for Agriculture, K. P. Mohanan said the Agriculture department is going ahead with their plans to declare Kerala as an Organic state by 2016. Already, Kasaragod had been declared as an organic district and Thrissur district will get priority.
To encourage farmers, he said those using bio compost will get subsidy. The Kerala State Seeds Authority had been asked to ensure the quality of seeds. The fruits and vegetables will be procured through krishi bhavans .
Centrally sponsored schemes
Minister for Rural Development and Planning, K. C. Joseph informed the House that there had not been any lapse of funds for the Central government-sponsored schemes. Mr. Joseph said Rs. 2643.20 crore had been allocated to the State for 2013-14 compared to Rs. 2176.60 crore in 2012-13.
Child Marriage
Child Marriage and Arabi Kalyanam had been reported from certain areas, Minister for Social Welfare and Panchayat, M. K. Muneer said. The child marriage attempts in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Idukki, Palakkad, Kannur and Malappuram were thwarted. As many as 27 cases of child marriages had been registered after the present government came to power, Mr. Muneer said.
Farmer’s suicide
As many as 52 farmers had committed suicide since May 2011, the Agriculture Minister said. The highest toll of 26 was in Wayanad, followed by nine in Palakkad, six in Kannur, three in Kasaragod, two each in Thrissur, Alappuzha and Thiruvananthapuram, and one each in Pathanamthitta and Kozhikode. 29 families had been given assistance from CM’s Relief Fund.
