Call for parallel system to clear waste after Onam festivities

Mayor M. Anilkumar has called for a parallel system to remove the waste generated from Onam celebrations and urged the secretary to take necessary action.

Addressing a meeting of the Corporation Council here on Monday (September 1, 2025), Mr. Anilkumar called for a drive in association with the police to curb unauthorised dumping of waste in public spaces.

Earlier, the Corporation’s initiative to install surveillance cameras in divisions to monitor the dumping of waste in public spaces drew praise from councillors cutting across political affiliations. The Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), which had been on the offensive against the ruling Left Democratic Front and had disrupted the last few council meetings, was in a more conciliatory mood on Monday.

The UDF councillors said that the initiative had helped check unauthorised dumping of waste and expressed appreciation for the prompt collection of fines. Mr. Anilkumar directed that cameras be installed in the remaining divisions at the earliest. He said the discussion at the council meeting testified to the success of the initiative.

Of the 300 cameras, 150 will be installed at points suggested by the Corporation and the rest at locations indicated by the police. Already, 130 cameras have been installed on the recommendation of councillors. Mr. Anilkumar directed the secretary to hold discussions with the Kerala State Electricity Board regarding power supply for operating the cameras. At present, the cameras function on power drawn from private institutions, which the Corporation plans to replace with its own dedicated power connection.

The Mayor requested participation from all in the forthcoming urban conclave, irrespective of political affiliations. He said efforts were being made to conduct the conclave at a low cost and that the need for allotting more funds to local bodies, including Corporations, had been brought to the notice of the Chief Minister. The conclave, he added, would provide a useful platform for discussing a range of such issues.

The Mayor called for weekly reports on file movement through K-Smart. He urged the Opposition not to disrupt council meetings, as the disruptions were preventing many councillors from raising and discussing their issues.