Thiruvananthapuram: Despite the deployment of advanced cleaning technologies, including the AI-enabled G-Spider5 robotic system and protective fencing domes, illegal waste dumping continues in the Amayizhanjan canal in the capital, exposing serious gaps in enforcement and public compliance. The city corporation introduced the G-Spider5 robot as part of a broader modernization effort to tackle canal pollution while reducing direct human exposure to hazardous waste. The robot is designed to remove floating debris and sludge, particularly in stretches where manual cleaning is difficult or unsafe. However, officials acknowledged that its use remains limited to select areas and cannot fully replace conventional cleaning methods. Sources within the civic body admitted that enforcement squads tasked with monitoring dumping activities have not delivered the expected results. The continued accumulation of plastic waste, construction debris, and household garbage along several stretches of the canal points to persistent violations and weak on-ground surveillance. The corporation is now planning to strengthen its monitoring and enforcement systems. A comprehensive clean-up drive covering the entire canal is in the works, combining manual labour, mechanical equipment and robotic assistance. Authorities said the functioning of existing squads will be overhauled to improve field-level vigilance. As part of enhanced surveillance, the corporation is relying more on CCTV cameras installed along the canal. These cameras are linked to the integrated command and control centre (ICCC) at the corporation office, enabling real-time tracking of dumping hotspots. Officials believe continuous monitoring and quicker intervention can deter repeat violations. Corporation health standing committee chairman M R Gopan said a stronger system is being put in place. “A full-fledged mechanism will be introduced soon to prevent waste dumping. Along with strengthening squads, real-time monitoring through the ICCC will be key. We will also seek police support to deal strictly with violations,” he said. Urban experts say that technology alone cannot resolve the issue without consistent enforcement and public cooperation. The Amayizhanjan canal, a critical part of the city’s drainage network, has long been affected by pollution, contributing to waterlogging and environmental damage. With the monsoon approaching, pressure is mounting on the corporation to keep the canal free-flowing. The situation underlines the need for coordinated action, sustained enforcement and greater public responsibility to address the problem effectively.
