THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Mayor Arya Rajendran's statement that a fine will be imposed if noticed that anyone other than the corporation collects the bricks used for pongala, had parked a controversy. With this, the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has released an explanatory note. Devotees have every right to take back any item they bring for the pongala. However, the explanatory note released said the corporation has the responsibility and authority to collect and remove the things including bricks deserted by them under Kerala Municipality Act 330.

Fake news is circulating on imposing fines for collection of bricks left after Attukal Pongala. The corporation has made all arrangements for the smooth offering of pongala and for the devotees to come and go in the city. However, just as important as the post-Pongala waste disposal is the disposal of the bricks used for the pongala. The devotees have every right to take back any item they bring for the pongala. However, under the Kerala Municipal Act 330, the corporation has the responsibility and authority to collect and dispose of the property including bricks left by them.

In previous years, it was noticed that there were lobbies that collected and sold stones used for the pongala. In order to avoid that, the bricks collected in this way are recycled and used for various housing projects (including life) in priority order. Therefore, it is requested to stop the false propaganda going on against the Corporation and to extend all support to the officials, employees and voluntary organizations working for the success of the pongala.

The mayor informed that the corporation has decided to use bricks for the construction of houses including LIFE project.