It was reported that Local Self Government minster MB Rajesh had expressed his displeasure and anger over the absence of some municipal councillors in the review meeting held on Tuesday regarding the waste problem in Amayizhanchan canal in Thiruvananthapuram. Only three councillors representing the seven wards of the city, through which the Amayizhanchan canal passes, attended the meeting. The other four skipped the meeting as if it was not an important matter. This irresponsible approach of the councillors was strongly criticized not only by the minister but also by others who participated in the meeting. The tragic death of a poor worker who drowned in the canal while removing the plastic waste piled up at the part where the canal passes through Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station had led to great controversies and discussions.

Many councillors of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation were present during the days-long search that was carried out to find the worker who drowned in the canal. The mayor, ministers and other leaders shed a lot of tears expressing shock and disappointment over the incident. Later, these fake tears flowed away along with the rainwater that flowed through the Amayizhanchan canal. A detailed action plan was formulated in the meeting chaired by the Chief Minister to put an end to the garbage problem in the city. As part of this, cameras have been installed throughout the canal to nab those who throw garbage into it. Even though the measures taken by the municipal corporation have helped to reduce the menace of garbage, many people are still depositing waste in large quantities in drains and waterways in many parts of the city. It means that there are many people around who have no sense of civic and social consciousness.

How can the people alone be blamed when the people's representatives who are obliged to participate in the review meeting and submit their opinions and suggestions are running away from their responsibility? Following the tragic death of the worker in the Amayizhanchan canal, the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has declared war against plastic. People usually dump waste after putting it in a plastic cover. The Corporation is tightening the ban on plastic thinking that people will hesitate to dump waste due to the ban on plastic. It is said that the Corporation has already collected nearly Rs 15 lakh as a fine for dumping waste in public places and water bodies. This is a very small amount considering the amount of garbage piled up in the city centres.

The city is not going to become litter-free just because hundreds of cameras have been installed. The authorities should look out for ways to establish flawless systems for waste collection and disposal. Many cities in the world make fuel and compost from waste. The setting up of decentralized treatment plants will reduce the piling up of garbage. Gradually people will get used to it. Councillors have a huge responsibility to ensure that their wards are litter-free. Every ward in the city can be made clean and beautiful if the councillors show sincere interest. The question is, whether the councillors will be able to do it.