Thiruvananthapuram Collector’s report contradicts Corporation’s claim on Attukal Pongala cleanup

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled Thiruvananthapuram Corporation found itself on the defensive after a report submitted by the District Collector on the waste management in the capital after Attukal Pongala contradicted the Mayor’s claims.

While Mayor V.V. Rajesh had said that the civic body managed to complete the cleaning within a few hours of the festival, a report submitted by District Collector Anu Kumari to the government points out that the waste removal was completed only within three days. Although the major roads were cleaned up, waste remained to be removed from other areas including the temple premises even two days after the festival.

The waste management after Attukal Pongala had turned into a political issue with the Left Democratic Front (LDF) accusing the BJP-ruled Corporation of having failed in its responsibilities, unlike the situation in the previous years when the Corporation was lauded for its quick disposal of waste from all areas.

The LDF had organised clean up activities at the Government Sanskrit College campus, after it was found to be strewn with Pongala waste five days after the festival. A council meeting held last week witnessed protests by the LDF councillors against the Mayor, alleging failure in proper waste management.

The LDF has also objected to the Corporation dumping large amounts of waste collected after Pongala at the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC)’s land near Eenchakkal causing difficulties to the residents in the locality.