The waste management problem in the city is escalating to new levels with garbage being dumped near the Sreevaraham Pond, which is currently under restoration. When the authorities are spending crores of rupees for removing sludge from the pond, garbage is piling up on its banks.
While the public have steered clear from dumping waste at the main entrance of the pond, bundles of plastic bags and burned debris occupy the corners close to the pathway near the side entrance of the pond.
Even when the first phase of sludge removal is nearing completion, the authorities are concerned about the attitude of the people which may put their hard work into disarray, if not mended in time.
“The amount of plastic and household waste that was collected during the sludge removal process itself shows the carelessness of the public. Since construction work is going on, there is some construction debris in the place which will be removed once the work is completed. However, people take this as a chance to dump household waste in nearby spots. If long term restoration of the pond is what we aim at, there is a need to create awareness among the public first,” said P.R. Chandramohanan, Executive Engineer for the restoration project.
While adequate measures such as high walls to prevent flow of drainage water into the pond, especially during rainy season, were being taken, residents' associations should also initiate measures to keep the surroundings clean. Once the work was completed, proper lighting and security arrangements should be put in place to prevent the pond from becoming a dumping yard, he said.
According to ward councillor and convener of the restoration project S. Vijayakumar, the Devaswom Board has plans to reinstate a night watcher as they have received complaints about people from other regions dumping waste in the area during night. “It is after 18 years that such a large scale restoration work is being taken up. The residents near the pond are employing proper waste management measures. Corrective measures were adopted at a few houses from where sewage pipes were opened near to the pond,” said Mr. Vijayakumar.
The phase I works amounting to Rs.33 lakh which include sludge removal began in October, 2011, and is expected to be completed by next month. The reconstruction of sidewalls at the southern and western parts is progressing. The southern side of the 300-metre wall has been completed.
Phase II works, which include cast-iron grill construction and beautification of the pond, is expected to begin soon.
