Kerala - Kochi   

Garbage treatment scheme yet to gain momentum

Staff Reporter

Support of residents' associations sought

KOCHI: The decentralised garbage treatment scheme mooted by the Corporation with active participation from residents' associations has not really picked up. While some divisions have done taken positive steps in this direction, many are yet to begin the preliminary steps.

"The message was sent to councillors and officials repeatedly. Yet, some councillors have not taken the initiative," said Deputy Mayor C.K. Manisankar.

The Corporation has now directed health inspectors and project engineers to get things started by seeking support from regional committees formed by residents' associations.

"However, there would be some delay, as the contractors doing pit construction preferred work where councillors took the initiative," he said.

Once the pits are constructed, the Corporation can release funds for procuring chemicals to treat the garbage. "The progress has been lax after a good beginning. But residents' associations cannot take the lead; it has to come from the local councillors," said P. Rangadasa Prabhu, president of Ernakulam District Residents Association Apex Council (EDRAAC).

Meanwhile, the Corporation is proceeding with the work on the proposed garbage treatment plant at Brahmapuram. "The soil test for the plant will be held next week. After that we can start piling," he said.

Handbooks

The EDRAAC, in a follow-up to `Subhayatra '07' (traffic carnival organised by the City Police), will print handbooks meant for school children. "The draft has been submitted to the City Police Commissioner and we are currently looking for sponsors to undertake printing," said P.K. Gopalakrishnan, general secretary of EDRAAC.

The handbook will contain all traffic-related information. The association plans to bring out the book by the time schools reopen. As many as 10,000 copies will be printed in the initial phase.

However, the association's plans to print additional copies of `Police at Your Doorsteps' brought out by the City Police to mark New Year, did not take off for the want of funds.

The EDRAAC is also gearing up to make a big launch of People Electricity Association for Coordinated Efforts (PEACE), as an interface for residents' associations and Kerala State Electricity Board. The residents' associations have already established a successful platform with the police called Police Residents Initiative in District Ernakulam (PRIDE).

"We are awaiting the Minister's convenience, as it has been decided to organise the launch meeting in a big way coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Board," Mr. Gopalakrishnan said.

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