KOZHIKODE: Around 100 residents of Kovoor, adjacent to the Kozhikode Medical College, have been facing severe potable water pollution for the past several years. The poor waste management system at the Kozhikode Medical College is responsible for this.
Local residents complain that the untreated water let out by the Medical College has polluted their wells, the water supplied by the Corporation and other water sources. Viswanathan Puthussery, a local resident, says that a huge amount of water is being discharged daily from the hospital, nurses quarters, students hostels and canteens. "Our wells have become contaminated owing to the stagnant filthy water. Now the colour of the water supplied through the pipes has also turned black, along with an unbearable stench," says Viswanathan.
"We have submitted several complaints to Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, the Kozhikode Corporation authorities, the State Pollution Control Board and the Medical College authorities. Protests were also staged, but the authorities are yet to take up the matter," says Viswanathan. Sajeevan Kallialathu, another resident, says that toxins were found in the water samples collected by the Pollution Control Board from more than 100 wells.
"The polluted water, which remains stagnant in the drains, has made walking on the road difficult," says Balan Nair, another resident.
Sajeevan says that the pond in which they used to take bath, has now turned into a pool of filthy water.
"The pond poses threat as migrant labourers use it to take bath and wash clothes. Besides, some hotel labourers take water from the pond to cook food," adds Sajeevan. Meanwhile, the officials concerned, of the Kozhikode Medical College, put the blame on the waste treatment plant, which is yet to go operational. An official at the medical college says that the problem will be solved as the waste treatment plant will become functional soon. However, the residents are on the warpath against the authorities as they are apprehensive that the onset of monsoon will add to their woes.