THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Alleging inaction from various stakeholder departments including the Railways, Public Works Department, Kerala Road Fund Board, Minor and Major Irrigation, National Highways Authority of India, the corporation has decided to step up and lead the pre-monsoon sanitation drive from Monday. To monitor and ensure the smooth implementation of the action plan, the corporation has formed a sub-committee under the chairmanship of the health standing committee.
On Saturday, Mayor V V Rajesh along with officials reviewed the situation of all major canals at Thampanoor and nearby areas. The mayor told TNIE that a detailed action plan has been prepared and work will begin immediately to clear accumulated waste and improve water flow in critical locations. He said that a special sanitation drive will be launched at key hotspots including Thampanoor railway station, bus stand and adjoining areas from Monday.
The recent assembly elections and the ongoing model code of conduct has put brakes on the pre-monsoon activities to be done by various departments. Officials with the irrigation department said they are unable to undertake work because of the code of conduct.
Lashing out at the apathy of various departments, the mayor said that the inaction by various departments is a major concern. “We have informed all stakeholder departments about today’s joint inspection — only the irrigation department attended.
We will be take over the responsibility so that the public don’t suffer when rain arrives.” Rajesh said that 80% of responsibility to execute the drive lies with various departments.
“The corporation lacks the financial and technical capacity of state-level agencies but will take up additional responsibilities to mitigate flooding. Even if they cite the model code of conduct, we will proceed with the work after securing necessary permissions. We may not have the resources of the state government, but we will do everything within our capacity to reduce waterlogging,” he added.
He said that a major problem lies within railway land. “We will have a discussion with the railway authorities. Our aim is to complete the pre-monsoon cleaning drive before June 1.”
The corporation has allotted Rs 1 lakh for each ward to undertake the sanitation activities.