Government Blames Railways for Canal Tragedy and Waste Accumulation

The Kerala government criticized Southern Railway for non-cooperation in cleaning a canal, leading to waste buildup and the drowning of a sanitation worker. The government threatened legal action if non-compliance continues. The opposition blamed the government, but the minister called for joint efforts in waste management.

The Kerala government on Monday blamed Southern Railway for refusing to cooperate with the Thiruvananthapuram City Corporation in cleaning the Amayizhanjan Canal, leading to large waste accumulation. This negligence resulted in the drowning of a sanitation worker, Joy, on July 13. State Minister for Local Administration, M. B. Rajesh, stated that despite multiple notices, the railway only acted after being warned of prosecution in June.

Following the tragic death of Joy, the government has threatened to invoke the Disaster Management Act if non-compliance continues. Rajesh emphasized a collective effort is needed for waste management, criticizing political opponents for exploiting the tragedy for political gain. The minister also highlighted the government's progress in waste collection and enforcement since the Brahmapuram garbage plant fire.

The Kerala government plans to implement stricter measures against public waste dumping and announced a significant increase in waste collection and processing infrastructure. The enforcement of waste management laws has also seen substantial improvement, leading to a rise in collected fines. Special focus will be given to Thiruvananthapuram, aiming for noticeable improvements in six months.