In a persistent environmental and public health crisis, the premises near All India Radio in Thiruvananthapuram, adjacent to Beemapally Nursery School, continue to be a site for rampant waste dumping. This is happening despite multiple interventions by the city corporation and repeated directives from both the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) and the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
Local Outcry Over Unbearable Conditions
The situation has triggered renewed and strong protests from local residents, parents, and environmental activists. They describe the conditions as unbearable, highlighting a serious and ongoing health hazard for the schoolchildren. According to residents, large quantities of mixed waste, primarily household garbage and plastic bags, are dumped at the site every night.
Although the city corporation has assigned four special squads to prevent such illegal dumping, the waste piles continue to grow. This negligence leaves nearby households and, most critically, the schoolchildren exposed to foul smells, swarms of mosquitoes, stray animals, and associated health risks.
A Systemic Failure and Its Consequences
Residents point to a long-standing systemic failure in waste management infrastructure across the coastal region. One resident living close to the school explained, "There is no proper waste collection mechanism in many nearby areas. People who do not want to pay for waste collection dump garbage in the property. We are suffering because of their negligence."
The Beemapally Nursery School has borne the brunt of this crisis. Teachers and parents report that children are forced to study in an environment that is both unhealthy and unsafe. Environmental activist Sanjeev S J expressed deep concern, stating, "The school was in a terrible state for a while last year due to the unbearable stench and the presence of flies and stray dogs near it. This is not just a sanitation issue; this is a violation of children's rights and their right to a safe learning space." He urgently called on authorities to take strict action before the new academic year begins.
Authorities' Response and Impending Action
However, the city corporation's perspective points to a complex challenge. Corporation Secretary Jahamgeer S stated that the issue remains unresolved primarily due to persistent garbage dumping by some locals themselves. "We found that some people living in the locality are dumping waste there. Though we have built a tall compound wall, they still throw waste collected in plastic bags over it," he said.
He assured that the corporation plans to call a meeting with residents soon to implement a permanent mechanism and that the accumulated waste will be removed promptly. Meanwhile, frustrated parents have warned that they will launch an intensified protest if immediate and concrete steps are not taken. The State Human Rights Commission and the Child Rights Commission are also expected to review the situation again following new complaints.
