Kozhikode stinks: Think before dumping waste into city drains

KOZHIKODE: The city corporation struggling to ensure a free flow of rainwater ahead of monsoon has started cracking down on residents letting out waste water into the public drains after complaints from councillors and pedestrians.
Authorities said the illegal practice is leading to the blockage of drains and spreading of stinking smell, thereby making it difficult for pedestrians to use the road adjacent to the drainage.

“Several households are directly letting out waste water into the public drainages,” said M.C. Anil, town planning standing committee head.
Many councillors had reported such frequent incidents. Several schools, colleges and offices also have complained of the stinking smell from these drainages meant for the smooth flow of rainwater and wastewater.

Soon corporation authorities will start surprise checks within its limits. Corporation has also decided to remove temporary connections created by individuals to the public drainages as they found many houses including apartments near Nadakkavu central market, East Nadakkavu, Chevayur and Medical College had illegal provisions to discharge sewage.

The household sewer must be connected to the underground drainage by paying a stipulated fee and in the areas where there was no underground sewer; the
toilets should have septic tanks. “Announcements have already been made to follow the rules and regulations of public health act,” they said.