TNPCB orders canal waste removal in Tirunelveli

21 Aug 2023 CW Team

In a communication dated August 11, the district environmental engineer, S Suyambu Thangarani, outlined that the corporation is responsible for the comprehensive clearing of solid waste from the canals. The corporation is also required to implement preventive measures to curb further solid waste disposal in the canals in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Rule of 2016. Thangarani stressed the importance of sending photographic evidence of the cleanup work to the complainant after completion.

The activist, SP Muthuraman, submitted a petition along with photographic evidence, illustrating that both Tirunelveli and Palayam canals have been transformed into dumping sites by the corporation. The canals are being subjected to the indiscriminate disposal of various forms of solid waste, including human waste, resulting in detrimental health effects for local residents.

Muthuraman additionally pointed out that TNPCB has been hesitant to invoke legal measures under The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974. He highlighted a 2015 correspondence from the Public Works Department that echoed the demand for canal cleanup by the corporation. Regrettably, the corporation has remained inactive in addressing this issue over the past eight years. In response, Muthuraman plans to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court to address the situation.

On August 4, the TNPCB directed Vikramasingapuram municipality to address clothing waste discarded in the Thamirabarani River, also in response to Muthuraman's complaint. The sequence of actions underscores the significance of environmental activism in driving local authorities towards more responsible waste management practices.

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has issued a directive to the Tirunelveli corporation to undertake the removal of solid waste from the entire stretches of both Tirunelveli Canal and Palayam Canal within the city. This action follows a complaint lodged by an activist. In a communication dated August 11, the district environmental engineer, S Suyambu Thangarani, outlined that the corporation is responsible for the comprehensive clearing of solid waste from the canals. The corporation is also required to implement preventive measures to curb further solid waste disposal in the canals in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Rule of 2016. Thangarani stressed the importance of sending photographic evidence of the cleanup work to the complainant after completion. The activist, SP Muthuraman, submitted a petition along with photographic evidence, illustrating that both Tirunelveli and Palayam canals have been transformed into dumping sites by the corporation. The canals are being subjected to the indiscriminate disposal of various forms of solid waste, including human waste, resulting in detrimental health effects for local residents. Muthuraman additionally pointed out that TNPCB has been hesitant to invoke legal measures under The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974. He highlighted a 2015 correspondence from the Public Works Department that echoed the demand for canal cleanup by the corporation. Regrettably, the corporation has remained inactive in addressing this issue over the past eight years. In response, Muthuraman plans to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court to address the situation. On August 4, the TNPCB directed Vikramasingapuram municipality to address clothing waste discarded in the Thamirabarani River, also in response to Muthuraman's complaint. The sequence of actions underscores the significance of environmental activism in driving local authorities towards more responsible waste management practices.