Kozhikode Corporation goes slow on swap shops

Kozhikode:  The second and third legs of the swap shops, organized as part of the Haritha Keralam project for better waste conservation, will be held in the City on December 15 and 22 at Kandankulam Jubilee Hall. The collection of articles as part of the programme will be held on December 13 and 20. One can bring reusable products that are not useful, but may be useful to another individual in the swap shop or can obtain things which are useful to them free of cost. The swap shop is being organized by the Kozhikode Municipal Corporation in association with Suchitwa Mission.

Despite the fact that the first swap shop organized on December 8 evoked little interest from the public, the Corporation has not yet launched any awareness programmes. Although there was a decision to conduct a meeting for better planning of the programme, the Mayor did schedule it for Tuesday which is collection day!  “Councilors were asked to conduct programmes to create awareness about the importance of swap shops. But so far nothing has happened, according to our understanding,” said Suchitwa Mission District Programme Officer Kripa Varier.

During the first swap shop on Thursday, less than 100 persons participated of which most were migrant labourers. “People think that swap shops are where waste material is distributed. That notion should be changed first,” said Chalappuram councillor Adv P.M Niyas. “It is after proper inspection that we select the materials at collection centres. It is not a dumping yard of useless stuff,” added Ms Kripa.

Speaking to DC, Mayor Thottathil Raveendran said that the Corporation conducted a press meet to inform the public. “We cannot place a mike in a vehicle and go around announcing it everywhere.  We hope that by the next phase, the swap shops can bring more support from the public,” he added.That notion should be changed first,” said Chalappuram councillor Adv P.M Niyas. “It is after proper inspection that we select the materials at collection centres. It is not a dumping yard of useless stuff,” added Ms Kripa.

Speaking to DC, Mayor Thottathil Raveendran said that the Corporation conducted a press meet to inform the public. “We cannot place a mike in a vehicle and go around announcing it everywhere.  We hope that by the next phase, the swap shops can bring more support from the public,” he added. That notion should be changed first,” said Chalappuram councillor Adv P.M Niyas. “It is after proper inspection that we select the material