KOCHI: Thevara is one of the prime locations in the city but the lives of the residents here have turned from bad to worse due to the constant dumping of slaughterhouse waste in the canal flowing through the area. Even after lodging several complaints with the authorities concerned, no action has been taken to stop this practice.
A majority of residents at Thevara blame traders in the local market for dumping the waste in the water body. The waste attracts rodents, while mosquitoes have already made their lives hard.
“The stench is so overpowering it is difficult to eat or sit inside our house. Often, the muck spreads to the banks of the canal. The Corporation takes no action even after being informed about the seriousness of the situation,” said Venu.
Residents said illegal slaughter takes place in Thevara market and the waste is dumped in the canal.“Blood-stained animal hides, bowels and bones are seen floating along the canal. The shop owners only keep their counters clean and wash the waste into the canal. We have almost lost hope,”said Pramod, another resident.
Konthuruthy councillor C K Peter said though he took up the matter with the police and civic body everything turned futile. “There have been constant complaints from the residents regarding the issue. The problem was brought to the attention of the Thevara police.
But these slaughterhouses are run by a big mafia which has the support of the higher authorities. This maybe the reason behind the reluctance of the officers concerned to enforce the law. I even warned the shop owners over the dumping of animal waste. Surprisingly, they went for a civil case against me,” said the councillor.