Thiruvananthapuram: Even after the clearing of massive garbage heaps along the NH 66 service road at Panathura, indiscriminate waste dumping across the city has surged again, with coastal areas like Beemapally emerging as major hotspots. Residents and activists allege that despite the deployment of monitoring squads, enforcement remains weak and delayed, raising serious public health concerns.Panathura stretch recently witnessed large-scale dumping of plastic and non-biodegradable waste, triggering protests and a standoff between city corporation and Clean Kerala Company Ltd (CKCL). The issue was resolved following official intervention, and the accumulated waste was removed. However, similar dumping continues unabated in several parts of the city. In Beemapally, the situation remains particularly alarming. Illegal dumping near residential areas and public institutions has persisted despite repeated interventions by authorities and even directions from statutory bodies. Waste is often dumped at night, leading to foul odour, mosquito breeding and the presence of stray animals, posing health risks to residents, including children. Sources within the corporation said the ongoing election campaign has affected routine monitoring and enforcement. “Many councillors are fully engaged in election-related activities, and that has impacted field-level supervision. Though squads are functioning, prompt action is lacking in several areas,” a source said. A corporation health official admitted that the situation is challenging but assured that steps are being taken. “We intensified surveillance in identified dumping zones and are coordinating with CKCL and Haritha Karma Sena units. However, public cooperation is equally important. Illegal dumping by residents and commercial establishments continues to be a major hurdle,” the official said. The ongoing friction between the corporation and CKCL also contributed to inconsistencies in waste collection and disposal. While the corporation held the agency accountable for lapses, CKCL cited operational challenges at the ground level in the past. Corporation health standing committee chairperson M R Gopan said the civic body is taking a firm stand to address the issue. “We have made it clear that agencies entrusted with waste management cannot evade responsibility. But here, we need the assistance of police too as the offenders ignore the corporation officials. However, monitoring mechanisms are being strengthened, and strict action will be taken against violators,” he said. Environmentalists warn that the situation could worsen if immediate corrective measures are not implemented. “Beemapally and other coastal regions are already vulnerable due to poor waste infrastructure. Continued dumping can lead to contamination of water sources and long-term ecological damage,” environmentalist Sanjeev S J said. With waste dumping reported from multiple wards, residents are demanding stricter surveillance, including CCTV monitoring and higher penalties. As the city grapples with recurring sanitation challenges, the effectiveness of enforcement during the election period remains under scrutiny.
