Kerala CM Vows Action After Sanitation Worker’s Tragic Death in Plastic-Filled Canal

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has pledged stringent measures against the use of banned plastic following the tragic death of sanitation worker Joy. New actions include canceling vehicle registrations of illegal waste dumpers, installing AI cameras for monitoring, and repairing canal infrastructure to prevent future incidents.

In the wake of a sanitation worker drowning in a canal filled with plastic waste, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced that stringent action will be taken against those using banned plastic carry bags and products. The decision came during an online meeting chaired by Vijayan, according to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).

The meeting saw participation from various ministers, local MLAs, Thiruvananthapuram Mayor, Chief Secretary, and the Railway Divisional Manager. The officials decided that activities would follow the provisions of the Disaster Management Act to ensure smooth garbage collection in the city. Measures to discourage plastic use and dumping were also discussed during the meeting.

Actions include canceling vehicle registrations used for illegal dumping, installing 40 AI cameras to identify offenders, and planning public programs for the protection and maintenance of water bodies. The Railways were also instructed to ensure daily scientific waste management and clean the 130-meter tunnel of the Amayizhanchan canal. The meeting concluded with a commitment to prevent sewage discharge into the canal from residential and commercial properties, and appreciation was expressed for the rescue teams involved in the search for Joy.

(With inputs from agencies.)