Thiruvananthapuram:
The sight of tons of garbage piled by the roadside and outside homes in Thiruvananthapuram has now become common. Even as a mobile incinerator has been brought to the city, this seems to be only a temporary solution.
The waste treatment plant at Vilapilsala was forced to close after residents of adjoining localities vehemently protested against the formation of toxic gases at the site due to mismanagement of the plant. Even though funds under JNNURM were allocated for the modernisation of the plant, the process could not be completed due to growing protests.
Earlier, people under Kudumbashree scheme would collect and dispose daily waste but since 6 months even this structure has collapsed. The residents now resort to dumping garbage outside each other's houses or by roadsides for the lack of any other option. The bio decompose pits are not a viable option for everyone, especially in cities due to limited land availability.
With the alarming rise of dengue, other diseases and growing unrest among the common man, finding a lasting solution to the waste management problem in Kerala is going to be critical for the 'well-being' of the ruling government.