T’puram: State human rights commission directed authorities to construct a sewage treatment plant (STP) at a housing complex built in Karode grama panchayat for rehabilitation of fishermen from Kulathoor grama panchayat.Commission chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas ordered that the project be completed within two months in coordination with Suchitwa Mission. The directive came after it was found that the 16 apartment blocks accommodating 128 families had been handed over without adequate waste management facilities.According to commission’s order, the flats were constructed without obtaining prior approval from Karode grama panchayat. A site inspection revealed the absence of waste treatment facilities and the discharge of wastewater from the complex. The complainant alleged that sewage from the flats was flowing into his property.The sub-collector informed the commission that Rs 80 lakh had been earmarked for construction of an STP in accordance with a decision taken at a meeting chaired by him. Since the proposed site belongs to fisheries department, a no-objection certificate is required. The fisheries deputy director has been entrusted with implementing the project.However, the complainant, Shaijumon of Chenniyode, reiterated that sewage waste was continuing to flow into his land. Justice Thomas directed fisheries deputy director to take urgent steps to resolve the issue.
