Piles of waste removed from coastal wards

Thiruvananthapuram: Over 200 sacks of plastic waste were collected during the beach cleaning drive held in coastal wards under the city corporation on Saturday. The initiative, named Suchitwatheeram, also collected 10 loads of bio-degradable waste, 20 sacks of glass waste and 15 sacks of plastic bottles.
The cleaning drive, held from 7am to 12pm, was inaugurated by mayor V K Prasanth. Green army volunteers, students, contingent workers and health officials of the local body took part in the drive carried out in Valiyaveli, Pozhikkara, South Thumba, Vettucaud, Shangumugham, Beemapally, Poonthura and Vizhinjam region. Five scuba divers were deployed by the corporation in wards near Kovalam while Southern Air Command did their bit at Shanghmugham.

The bio-degradable waste was disposed by the corporation. But the disposal of plastic would be a challenge as it is mostly dirty and needs to be cleaned and sorted before handing it over for recycling. Glass, footwear and bags will be given to recycling agents. The drive was carried out after the civic body received complaints regarding accumulation of waste on beaches following Killiyaar cleaning drive. tnn