‘STP to solve Chottanikkara’s waste woes’

In a report submitted to the High Court, the amicus curiae has asked the Chottanikkara grama panchayat to stop its present method of waste collection.

The amicus curiae appointed by the Kerala High Court to study the problem of waste disposal at Chottanikkara has suggested that the grama panchayat take steps to set up a sewage treatment plant (STP) and stop the present method of waste collection.

In a report submitted to the court, amicus curiae P.B. Sahasranaman recommended that till the STP was set up, the Chottanikkara grama panchayat should make arrangements for the collection of waste, including solid, liquid, semi-solid, and septage, and it should be discharged in a manner that should not cause public nuisance.

No sewers

He said the grama panchayat had only constructed drains to carry rainwater and not sewers to carry sewage or waste water generated from hotels. The present practice of collecting waste water in an open space and keeping it for long hours would adversely affect the health of the people. The panchayat had not taken any steps to implement the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2015 that came into effect from April 8, 2016.

The report also stated that the Cochin Devaswom Board (CDB) could establish an STP after obtaining necessary environmental clearance from the State Environment Impact Assessment Agency. No effective steps towards waste management had been taken for the last many years at Chottanikkara, adversely affecting the environment around the Devi temple.

Plight of pilgrims

He pointed out that lakhs of devotees visited the Chottanikkara temple during the Sabarimala pilgrim season every year. Besides, there was heavy rush of devotees during festivals such as Makam Thozhal and Navarathri. The CDB and the Chottanikkara grama panchayat were duty-bound to provide a hygienic atmosphere for visitors.