Kochi: Collector Mohammed Y Safirulla acts tough on waste

Kochi: To put an end to the perennial issue of untreated sewage entering drains in the temple town of Chottanikkara, district collector Mohammed Y. Safirulla has strictly warned hotels, lodges and other commercial firms against discharging toilet waste to drains. Four hotels - Ganesh Bhawan, Rajeswari, Krishna Rest House and Shri Vinayaka - have been asked to close down for dumping untreated sewage into drains and polluting drinking water sources. The collector’s order is based on state government’s disaster management rules.

Mr Safirulla had earlier sought reports from the district medical officer, Suchitwa Mission, public works department, panchayat, village officer, tehsildar and Pollution Control Board based on the complaints submitted by residents. In their reports, various agencies have indicated pollution of wells and water sources in the area due to the dumping of untreated toilet waste into drains. The DMO has also warned against high chances for an outbreak of infectious disease due to polluted water sources.

Meanwhile, given the impending drought, the disaster management cell urged the district administration to be vigilant and take action against pollution of drinking water sources. In the order, the collector has asked the commercial firms to set up their treatment facilities within the compound.  The committee appointed to monitor waste management will visit the area in coming days and will submit a report. Assistant development commissioner who is in charge of Suchitwa Mission, deputy medical officer, junior superintendent at panchayat deputy director office, PWD assistant engineer and Kanayannur village officer are the committee members.

‘Set up sewage treatment plant’

In another development in the Chottanikka waste management issue, the amicus curie appointed by the High Court urged the Chottanikkara Grama Panchayat to set up a Sewage Treatment Plant in the place now earmarked by them. The Amicus Curie also stressed that necessary follow up steps should be taken up as prescribed in the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2015; Till such time, the Chottanikkara Grama Panchyat should make arrangements for collection of all wastes, which include solid, liquid, semi-solid, and septage ,and it should be discharged in a manner which should not cause any public nuisance.

The present collection of solid and semi-solid waste in pits should be stopped immediately, the report said. Lakhs of people visit Chottanikkara during Sabarimala season and during festivals like Makam Thozhal, annual festival, Navarathri.The Cochin Devaswom Board and the Chottanikkara Grama Panchayat had a duty to provide a hygienic atmosphere for them. The steps taken by them so far were not sufficient to protect public health and convenience, the report said.