Thiruvananthapuram: A dispute has surfaced between the city corporation and Clean Kerala Company Ltd (CKCL) over the clearance of plastic waste dumped along the service road at Panathura near Thiruvallam, even as residents protest the mounting health hazard.For several days, large quantities of non-biodegradable waste, particularly plastic, have been dumped in the open along the roadside, raising concern among local residents. With repeated complaints yielding little response, the situation escalated into public protests, prompting demands for urgent intervention by the corporation.Following the protests, the corporation directed CKCL, the state-designated agency for handling non-biodegradable waste, to remove the accumulated garbage. However, CKCL reportedly informed the civic body that waste collection in the area had been assigned to a sub-agency, leading to confusion over accountability.Corporation officials rejected the explanation, asserting that CKCL cannot shift responsibility by citing subcontracting arrangements. The civic body also clarified that it has not appointed any private agency outside the existing framework, dismissing reports suggesting otherwise.Mayor V V Rajesh said recurring lapses by the company had contributed to the situation. “We have issued strict instructions to clear the waste. We are willing to continue with the agency, but its functioning has been inefficient,” he said.Health standing committee chairperson M R Gopan echoed the stance, stressing that accountability rests with the agency entrusted with the work. “Clean Kerala Company Ltd cannot abdicate its responsibility by citing sub-contract arrangements,” he said.He added that the corporation secretary has intervened to resolve the issue and initiated urgent steps to remove the waste piled up at Panathura. “Immediate action has been taken to clear the garbage and restore normalcy,” he said.In a parallel move to strengthen oversight, the corporation has decided to directly monitor non-biodegradable waste collection in 12 of its 62 wards. The step is aimed at improving accountability and preventing similar lapses.CKCL, a state-run entity under the local self-govt department, is responsible for collecting and processing plastic and other non-biodegradable waste across Kerala. It operates material collection facilities and coordinates with local bodies to ensure scientific disposal and recycling.CKCL officials were unavailable for comment. Residents in Panathura said the delay in clearing the waste has led to foul odour and environmental concerns along the coastal stretch.
