Thiruvananthapuram's Southern Panchayats Grapple with Mounting Garbage Menace
Residents in several panchayats along the southern border of Thiruvananthapuram district are raising alarm over a severe civic issue. The indiscriminate dumping of garbage along public roads has created multiple problems for local communities.
Widespread Dumping Across Multiple Locations
Large quantities of waste packed in plastic bags are appearing along roadsides in Parassala, Karode, Kulathoor and Chenkal panchayats. The situation has reached critical levels in certain areas, with residents reporting unbearable stench and growing health concerns.
The Udiyankulangara–Kottam section of the Karamana–Kaliyikkavila road presents the most severe case. Here, garbage has accumulated over nearly 500 meters, creating both visual pollution and serious environmental hazards.
Multiple Problem Areas Identified
Local residents have identified several specific trouble spots:
- Areas near the Parasuvaikkal stream where dumping threatens farmlands and water sources
- Locations surrounding Devarbai temple and college premises
- Vicinity of nearby bridges and Cheruvarakonam pass
"People from outside our locality arrive at night in cars," explained Anjana R S, a Parassala resident. "They dump waste on isolated land parcels. The garbage has accumulated so much that the stench has become unbearable."
Nighttime Dumping and Source of Waste
According to local accounts, dumping typically occurs late at night in areas with minimal traffic and no CCTV surveillance. This pattern suggests deliberate attempts to avoid detection.
The waste reportedly originates from multiple sources:
- Hotels and restaurants
- Scrap shops and recycling businesses
- Slaughterhouses and meat processing units
Growing Stray Dog Menace
The accumulation of garbage has created another serious problem - a significant increase in stray dogs along the Karamana–Kaliyikkavila road. These animals are attracted to food waste in the dumped garbage.
Motorists, particularly two-wheeler riders, report frequent incidents where dogs dart across roads unexpectedly. This has led to numerous near-miss accidents and growing fears of serious traffic mishaps.
Health and Environmental Concerns
Residents express deep concern about potential health hazards. The unchecked dumping could lead to disease outbreaks and contamination of nearby water bodies. The proximity of waste to agricultural areas and water sources amplifies these risks.
Community Response and Official Action
Local communities and youth organizations have taken matters into their own hands, organizing several clean-up drives. However, their efforts are repeatedly undermined as new garbage appears within days of each clean-up.
Residents are now demanding stronger measures:
- Strict enforcement of anti-dumping regulations
- Round-the-clock surveillance in vulnerable areas
- Penal action against violators
Panchayat officials acknowledge the problem and report taking several steps:
- Initiated waste removal operations in affected areas
- Started imposing fines on violators where identified
- Planning CCTV camera installation in strategic locations
- Working to identify offenders through investigation
The garbage crisis in Thiruvananthapuram's southern panchayats continues to worsen despite community efforts. Residents await effective solutions that will provide lasting relief from this growing civic menace.
