T’puram: State human rights commission (SHRC) directed city corporation to take urgent and effective measures to address the city’s worsening waste management crisis amid growing complaints that canals, drains and roadsides have turned into dumping grounds.SHRC chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas ordered the corporation secretary to take the lead in coordinating various govt departments to ensure immediate and effective waste disposal. Principal director of local self-govt department (LSGD) has been directed to oversee implementation of the measures.SHRC instructed health inspectors in charge of the affected areas, under the leadership of clean city manager, to conduct on-site inspections and initiate immediate action to remove accumulated waste. It said all existing waste in the identified locations must be completely cleared.Corporation has also been directed to coordinate with irrigation department to remove waste from canals without delaying the work by citing technical difficulties. Corporation secretary must submit a report to the SHRC within two weeks detailing the action taken in compliance with the order.The panel further directed LSGD principal sirector to closely monitor the corporation’s actions, ensure that strict instructions are issued to remove waste from public places, clean the canals and establish a permanent waste management system to prevent recurring complaints. The principal director has been asked to submit a compliance report to SHRC within three weeks.The panel has also directed that a joint director or additional director represent the LSGD principal director, while the clean city manager should represent the corporation secretary at panel’s sitting scheduled for 10am on Aug 4 at its office near PMG Junction.The directions were issued in a suo motu case registered by SHRC based on media reports highlighting the city’s deteriorating waste management situation.According to the panel, waste dumping has been reported at several locations across the city, including Pazhavangadi canal, Thekkanamkara canal, Sreevaraham market junction, Kazhakkoottam–Karode stretch of NH 66, Attakulangara–Killipalam Bypass, Enchakkal and Kanaka Nagar. The panel observed that immediate intervention is necessary to restore sanitation and prevent further environmental and public health concerns.
