Post the Killi river clean-up, the city Corporation is set to take stringent action including initiation of prosecution proceedings against owners of houses which continue to have sewage outlets into the river. The health inspectors in all the zones through which the river passes through have been asked to take such action in case anyone is found to be reopening the outlets which were sealed by the local body.
The Nemom circle of the Corporation has been one of the most effective in taking action against similar violations, with prosecution being initiated recently against one individual from Kaimanam, who allegedly reopened the outlets to the Karamana river, which were sealed by the health wing officials of the local body.
In total, notices were served to the owners of 180 houses and 15 institutions in the circle for having sewage outlets to the river. Out of this, 136 houses and 11 institutions complied with the demand to close the outlets and make alternate arrangements. Corporation officials sealed the outlets of the 44 houses, which did not respond to the notices.
“Most of them complied after the second notice, but this one person went on reopen the sealed outlets and even installed one more outlet. So, we had to initiate prosecution proceedings,” says S.Anil Kumar, Health Inspector of Nemom circle.
As per the Municipal rules, dumping waste into the river is a non-bailable offence, punishable with a minimum six months imprisonment and fine of ₹27,500. As the fine amount is not seen as enough of a deterrent to many, more stringent action is being considered.
“We don’t take such action against those who do not have enough land, or those who have enough land but are not so economically well-off to make alternate arrangements. But, those who have the capability should comply. For the rest, the Corporation is thinking of alternate arrangements. The engineering wing has been asked to look into the possibility of having mini treatment plant in a common land for around 50 houses, where the houses do not have enough space for alternate arrangements. The extension of the existing sewerage lines to these areas is another possibility,” says Health Supervisor T.Alexander.
Local committees
Local-level committees have been formed for every half km of the Killi River through the city, to monitor any cases of dumping of waste or sewage into the river. The committees consist of the local residents’ association representatives, Kudumbashree workers, Corporation health wing officials and the general public.