Illegal waste dumping has intensified along roads and vacant plots in Karumalloor panchayat near Kochi, with a recent load of mixed waste reportedly dumped beside the Manjalikkadavu Road and waste also being thrown towards the Periyar.
The dumping was reported in the second ward at Naduvilathattu on the Manjalikkadavu Road, where a large quantity of waste was brought under cover of darkness and piled beside a banana plantation. Heavy rain in recent days has caused some of the waste to wash into the surrounding water, while the resulting odour has made it difficult for people to walk along the road.
The road runs along the Periyar and is used by morning walkers. The area has relatively few houses, making it difficult for residents to quickly notice or prevent dumping, according to the report. Waste is allegedly being transported to the area from hotels, vegetable shops, meat shops and catering services.
The waste includes rotting vegetables, food leftovers and slaughterhouse refuse. Leftover food from catering operations is reportedly dumped in the area, particularly on Sunday nights, leaving a persistent stench for nearly a week as it decomposes. Stray dogs have gathered at the site to feed on the waste, raising concerns among pedestrians.
Schoolchildren have stopped using the road, according to the report, while people walking alone are said to be apprehensive because of the concentration of stray dogs and the isolated nature of the area. A similar situation has been reported on the Veliyathunadu Settlement Road, where garbage bags are being dumped beside vacant areas near paddy fields.
Voluntary organisations recently cleaned several locations in the area, providing temporary relief from the odour. However, the report says that dumping continues at other points, including the Periyar riverbank and near Manjali Bridge. Waste transported by vehicles is allegedly being thrown into the river, while slaughterhouse waste is reportedly discharged into the water at night. Residues can be seen along the riverbank and on the bridge, according to the report.
The incidents expose the enforcement challenge facing local waste-management efforts. Although a system reportedly exists to collect photographs of people dumping waste in public places, impose fines and provide rewards to informants, the mechanism is said not to be functioning effectively. Fear of those involved in organised dumping is also discouraging residents from pursuing offenders.
The report suggests that installing surveillance cameras at identified dumping points may be the most practical way for the panchayat to identify vehicles and individuals responsible. The immediate issue for the local administration is to monitor the affected roads and riverbank, remove the accumulated waste and prevent further dumping from entering the Periyar.
