Towards a Cleaner Tomorrow
Arya Rajendran
Mayor, Thiruvanathapuram Corporation
Innovative solutions, community efforts, and proactive measures to tackle waste and protect water bodies in the capital city
The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation’s initiatives to protect canals, water bodies, and other natural resources as well as its consistent actions against illegal waste disposal and unregulated waste collection, have been instrumental in improving environmental conditions. One of the major thrust areas is to tackle the waste issue along the banks of the Amayizhanchan stream. The stream which starts from the vicinity of the Kanakakkunnu– Observatory region, flows through the Palayam Bakery Junction, and passes through key areas such as the KSRTC Bus Stand, Thampanoor Railway Station, and Pazhavangadi, ultimately joining the Ulloor stream, stretches over a distance of 6.8 kilometers. In order to prevent the plastic waste floating through Amayizhanchan stream from reaching the sea, comprehensive measures have been taken up by the Corporation. To address the floating waste in these locations, trash booms and metal mesh systems have been installed. Along with the efforts of the Corporation’s staff, Plastic Fischer agency has been appointed for waste collection and disposal since 2022. Since January 2024, 23 full-time staff has been engaged in collecting and processing 72 tons of waste per day.
Mini MCFs (Material Collection Facilities), container based MCFs, and other waste management units have been established in various locations along the Amayizhanchan stream. Furthermore, the Haritha Karma Sena has been actively collecting waste from houses and establishments in these areas.
However, on July 13, 2024, a tragic incident occurred. A contract sanitation worker employed by the Railway drowned during the cleaning operation near Amayizhanchan stream. T he Corporation had previously sent multiple requests to the railway department to take responsibility for clearing the waste from the railway controlled tunnels. Post-incident, a series of measures have been undertaken to prevent such mishaps in the future.
The aim is to tackle the waste issue along the banks of the Amayizhanchan stream
In addition to the initiatives along the stream, the Corporation, in collaboration with Plastic Fischer, is in the process of installing new trash booms near Rajaji Nagar bridge. The development of an Advanced Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Rajaji Nagar is underway as part of the AMRUT scheme. T he STP will benefit 856 households and 71 establishments in the area.
To date, 25 AI-powered Face Detection cameras have been installed across various sections of the Amayizhanchan stream with support from the Smart City initiative. Stringent action has been taken against illegal waste collectors and 31 vehicles confiscated for illegally dumping waste. The Corporation has also imposed a fine of ₹41,41,580 as part of its enforcement operations.
In addition to raising awareness, the Corporation has been engaged in restoring water bodies and maintaining canals through community-driven initiatives.
Recently, 4 OWC (Organic Waste Converters) have been installed at the Palayam Market and 3 schools, and 2 RDF units at Chalai and Chenthitta. Ten new Thumboormoozhi units (100 bins) are being installed, and several MCFs are under development. Additionally, 14 mobile portable T humboormoozhi , each with a 1-ton capacity, have been set up in four locations in Rajaji Nagar, with cleaning staff deployed for both day and night shifts.
T hese ongoing efforts will continue to make T hiruvananthapuram a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable city for future generations.