Waste removal resumes in Thrikkakara municipality in Kerala after over a month

After more than a month of piled-up biodegradable waste that left the Thrikkakara municipality reeking, municipal authorities on Tuesday evening began removing the waste from the dumping yard adjacent to the municipal office.

The Opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) had disrupted the municipal council meeting on Tuesday over the issue. The meeting also witnessed protests by Haritha Karma Sena members, who raised concerns about the health risks of working in the foul-smelling dumping yard. The meeting was abruptly adjourned after the agenda was declared approved.

Both traders and the general public in the area had been affected by the foul odour from the dumping yard. “The entire waste was removed from the dumping yard on Tuesday evening itself. The crisis was caused by a recent increase in waste generation, while the contractor had only three vehicles available. On Tuesday evening, five vehicles were deployed,” said Radhamani Pillai, chairperson of the Thrikkakara municipality.

However, P.C. Manoop, an independent councillor supporting the LDF, challenged the claim that all the waste had been cleared. “The crisis was caused by the inefficiency and corruption involved in awarding the waste movement contract. Why is it that waste removal is smooth in other municipalities but remains a persistent issue in Thrikkakara?” he asked.

Municipal health officials explained that the stagnation in waste movement was due to issues on the road leading to the dump site in Idukki district, where the municipality’s waste is transported. Currently, the municipality pays the agency ₹4.30 per kg for waste removal, which imposes a significant financial burden, considering that 10 to 11 tonnes of biodegradable waste are generated daily within the municipal limits.

Health officials added that an agreement has been reached with another agency to collect waste from firms and establishments, with beneficiaries paying the agency directly, thus relieving the municipality of the financial burden. For household waste collection, Haritha Karma Sena already collects fees, which means municipal spending on waste movement will drop to zero once the new agreement kicks in, they pointed out.