Kochi: The dilapidated comfort station at Aluva market is on the verge of collapse with the septic waste getting leaked and flowing into nearby Periyar river.
The traders and local people have now come out demanding stern action to stop the waste flowing into Peiyar, the main drinking water source of the region.
“Last year the municipality spent Rs 1.5 lakh to renovate the comfort station, but, now it’s on the verge of collapse. The pipelines are leaking and the waste flows into Periyar. The same should be dismantled. We’ve been raising the issue in the council and the Health Standing Committee meetings for long, but to no avail,” said Seby V Bastin, an Independent Councillor.
The river Periyar is flowing only 15 metres away from the comfort station used by mainly by merchants.
“The construction of toilet complex so near to the river is a violation of the coastal regulations norms,” he charged.
When contacted, Aluva Municipality Chairper-son Lissy Abraham said the comfort station will be dismantled a new toilet complex constructed there using funds allotted by the Centre under the Swachh Bharat Mission campaign.
“We’ve already sent the documents and got the nod. The municipality would also add to the fund and construct a modern toilet complex. We’ll introduce the ‘Pay and Use’ system and ensure proper maintenance of the toilet blocks,” she said.
The chairperson added that the existing toilet block will be dismantled as soon as the municipality received the fund, which is expected to take a couple of months. “Otherwise there is a possibility of open defecation,” she said.
