KOZHIKODE: Azhiyur gram panchayat has slapped notices to 36 people who drained out waste water to public places and water bodies. These include ice plant owners and household members. The action was taken after the impropriety found in the initial survey conducted as a part of making the gram panchayat a complete hygienic one.
“The notice was given as per the rules of Kerala Panchayat Raj Act. Many small firms do not have waste water treating plants and is draining out the same to local water bodies. This cannot be allowed. They were asked to put in place alternate arrangements before October 10,” said Azhiyur gram panchayat secretary T. Shahul Hameed. People were also asked to intimate if they came across any such waste-dumping taking place covertly or at night.
Asha workers, Jalamithram members, Kudumbashree workers and volunteers are taking part in the door-to-door survey to find out the various hygiene problems and the ways of waste disposal. The gram panchayat has already inspected rivulets and other water bodies at the Chombal harbour and its surroundings. A good number of ice plants are functioning here.
According to the Panchayat Raj Act, the waste dumping will attract imprisonment of upto an year along with Rs 25,000 fine. “The gram panchayat has set aside Rs 25,000 from its own fund for the complete-hygiene panchayat project. CSI Christian Muller Women’s College, Chombala is cooperating with the project,” said gram panchayat president E.T. Ayoob.
