Thiruvananthapuram: In the wake of rampant poultry waste dumping on the drains along the service roads of NH 66 from Kulathoor to Kovalam, the National Highways Authority of India ( NHAI ) has finally swung into action by starting to close the drains with concrete slabs . The laying of slabs started now from Enchakkal to Thiruvallam. It will be extended until Kulathoor in the north and Kovalam in the south.
The total cost for the project is estimated to be Rs 5 crore, and it will be spent from the NHAI maintenance fund. The waste dumping on the drains of the NH 66 was a regular affair as it was open. Despite intensifying the corporation's night squad operations to nab the offenders, the dumping was done daily.
"It was not possible to remove the waste from the drains using earthmovers every day or every week. We have been doing it since the NH works were completed. But as a permanent solution, we decided to close the drains along the full stretch using concrete slabs,” said Deba Prasad Sahoo, project director, NHAI.
“Now, the closing of drains started from Enchakkal to Kovalam. It has been completed until Thiruvallam. It will be continued, and the open drains on the entire stretch will be closed due to this illegal activity," he added.
Recently, the local residents have expressed their frustration and concern over the health hazards posed by the dumping of garbage in large plastic bags by people arriving in trucks, cars, and even motorcycles. The residents have been demanding the closure of the drains between the main carriageway and service roads for a long time. The situation becomes particularly dire during the monsoon season when the waste enters the premises of nearby houses, causing severe inconvenience to the residents.
The absence of streetlights and CCTV coverage allows the waste dumpers to get away. A four-member squad deployed by the corporation earlier to nail the offenders at night was meant to tackle the menace. However, they are now concentrating on the drains and canals in the core city area only.
According to Gayathri Babu, health standing committee chairperson of the city corporation, the civic body welcomes the NHAI's move to close the drains. "The NHAI has to prevent waste dumping on NH 66. However, the closing of drains is happening now, and it is a welcome move," she said.
We also published the following articles recently Death trap in plain sight: Open drains remain a fatal hazard The Kochi Corporation faced criticism for neglecting open drains after a motorist had an accident on SA Road, prompting a compensation order. Incidents in Panampilly Nagar and Fort Kochi, highlighted by local leaders, show ongoing dangers. CSML officials cited issues with underground cables.
Mayor M Anilkumar promised action, including handrails and covering drains, aiming to prevent accidents. Amid blame game, Zakhira underpass drains resources PWD minister Atishi urged railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to address monsoon waterlogging at Zakhira underpass. The issue stems from the lack of a culvert on Indian Railways' land.
Despite a cost-sharing agreement and PWD's deposit of Rs 2.7 crore, no culvert has been built, leading to significant water accumulation and traffic disruptions. Atishi tells chief secy to resolve issue of overflowing drains, act against officials Delhi's water minister Atishi addressed the rising issue of overflowing sewers in various city areas, urging Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to take corrective measures.
Atishi highlighted a lack of coordination between departments and warned of the public health risks. The BJP accused Atishi of trying to evade responsibility, pointing to AAP's decade-long governance..
