Eloor municipality issues notice to KSIE over unhygienic premises after dengue cases

Kochi: Eloor municipality issued a show-cause notice to Kerala State Industrial Enterprises (KSIE) after an inspection found serious sanitation lapses and mosquito breeding at its facility in Pathalam, Eloor.

The inspection was carried out after two KSIE employees were confirmed to have contracted dengue fever.The inspection by municipality’s public health and environment management squad found that the premises lacked an adequate solid and liquid waste management system and were maintained in an unhygienic condition.According to James S P, who serves as health superintendent and clean city manager for Eloor municipality, large quantities of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, including discarded food containers, paper cups and other refuse, were found dumped across the premises.

Rainwater had accumulated in the waste, creating mosquito breeding sites where larvae were detected.The municipality officials said it had to undertake spraying and fogging operations in and around the premises to protect public health.The notice issued by the civic body states that the conditions amount to violations of multiple provisions of Kerala Municipality Act, 1994, and warns that prosecution, fines and other legal action may be initiated.

“KSIE has been directed to submit a written explanation with supporting documents within 15 days of receiving the notice, failing which the municipality will proceed with legal action without further notice,” a municipality official said.Pathalam region in Eloor reported a significantly higher number of dengue cases compared to the rest of the regions of municipality. Municipality health wing said extended awareness drives and sanitation measures are being conducted to eliminate the sources that contribute to mosquito breeding in the region.