Akkulam lake turns solid waste dumpyard
Dumping continues despite campaigns organised by health department
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For nearly 10 years, the Kannamoola canal which drains into Akkulam lake is filled up with hospital waste including syringe, gloves, plastic covers of medicines that are discarded by a local hospital.
Even though several discussions were held at the city corporation to trace and penalise the polluters, no positive steps were taken in this direction.
Adding to the woes of Akkulam lake is an increase in the dumping of solid waste into the water body, particularly after the shut-down of Vilappilsala garbage factory.
Simultaneously over the years, the health department has been investing heavily on anti-contagious disease campaigns in wards adjacent to the 55-acre lake.
“Last year, there were plans to install waste water treatment plants in the canal. Barring few official visits, there were no positive step. There are around three polluted rivulets that opens into the canal,” Akkulam councilor S. Suresh Kumar said.
As per local resident Raveendran, the mini lorries empty waste into the water from its western side has increased over the years.
“The mosquito infestation and cases of dengue are increasing. We now have over two dozen new apartments here which means the number of sufferers is only increasing,” he said.
Meanwhile, Parvathi Puthanar which also drains into the Akkulam Lake has a drainage opened into it from all locations on its stretch from Thiruvallam.