Dumping continues to pollute Karamana River

T'puram: Residents living along the banks of Karamana River at Mangattukadavu near Perukavu raised serious concerns over rampant waste dumping into the river. They alleged that pollution has worsened over the past year without any permanent intervention from authorities.According to locals, biomedical waste, plastic materials and construction debris are being illegally dumped on a private property near the riverbank. During rain, the waste is allegedly washed into the river, polluting the water and creating an unbearable stench in the locality. Residents said the contamination has become a major public health concern for families living nearby.Following repeated complaints, officials of health department and local police launched an investigation into the dumping. Health department recently removed part of the accumulated garbage from the site. However, residents alleged that dumping continues unabated despite the cleanup drive.Meanwhile, Vilavoorkal panchayat on Monday slapped a fine of Rs 50,000 on the property owner."There has been indiscriminate dumping here for nearly a year. Even hospital waste is being dumped. We have lodged several complaints, but there has been no lasting solution. The river is getting polluted everyday," said Rajan KR, a resident of Mangattukadavu.The issue has exposed differences between Vilavoorkal panchayat and irrigation department over responsibility for cleaning the affected stretch. While irrigation department maintains that waste removal from the private property falls under the panchayat's jurisdiction, the local body reportedly sought coordination from multiple agencies for further action."We have informed the panchayat about the issue. Preventing illegal dumping and cleaning waste from private land requires coordinated action by the departments concerned," said an irrigation official.Residents have demanded strict surveillance, installation of cameras and legal action against those behind the dumping, warning that continued pollution could severely impact the fragile ecosystem of Karamana River and worsen environmental hazards in the area.