Cameras to capture illegal waste disposal

KOCHI: Despite the Corporation’s attempts to control and prevent illegal disposal of waste along the roadside and in the open, the practice continues to be prevalent in the city. As the latest step to combat illegal dumping of waste, the civic body will soon install surveillance cameras at dump sites especially on roadsides, rural farm lands and abandoned properties.
The annual budget of Kochi Corporation has allotted Rs 10 lakh for the surveillance camera installation.
The project is in its initial stages and the Corporation authorities hope that the plan will help them in identifying and taking action against illegal dumpers.
“Our plan is to install cameras within the city limit and vacant plots where waste dumping is rampant,” said T K Ashraf, chairman, Health Standing Committee, Kochi Corporation.
He said that the practice of illegal dumping is mainly seen in the areas that are under panchayat and municipality limits.
“We will join hands with the surrounding local bodies for the successful implementation of the plan.
We have also identified some areas like Perumbadappu and Edappally where waste is dumped in the open.
We are to install cameras in these areas,” he added.
As per the plan, the Corporation is likely to entrust the implementation of the project with an experienced agency like Keltron.
“Along with the installation of cameras, the civic body will also come up with comprehensive programmes to educate people on necessity of proper waste disposal,” he added.