Local bodies find it hard to abide by SC order

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:  Local bodies are finding it hard to abide by the Supreme Court directive to consider solid waste management as their primary duty since there were no mechanism suitable for the state’s conditions. The Kerala Municipal Chairmen Chamber had suggested centralised waste management in each district with the support of State Government and local bodies. Though several studies had been conducted by various agencies in Kerala, a suitable project was yet to be implemented in the state. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy during his meeting with the municipal chairpersons of  the state had assured that a model for solid waste management will be set up in the state. However, a feasible solution is yet to be identified to solve the grave issues faced by local bodies in the state. Kerala Municipal Chairmen Chamber president Jamal Manakadan told ‘Express’ that waste management was a serious issue faced by all the local bodies even though the Supreme Court in 2003 pointed out that solid waste management was the primary duty of the local bodies. Though the working model was being implemented in other states, it was found to be a failure in Kerala.‘’There should be a centralised system of waste management in each district which the government should take the initiative. At least two plants should be set up in each district where the local bodies could treat the waste,’’ he suggested. Compared to other states, there is only limited land in Kerala for the local bodies to set up solid waste management units.