The state has started a week-long 'anti-dumping' week while the piles of garbage are creating a headache for the local bodies. Even though the government and local bodies have taken many measures to save the state from the menace of garbage, it cannot be said that the intended results have been achieved. There is a reason for that. It is the result of resorting to remedial measures by neglecting the basic need. It is like treatment without understanding the disease. The fact is that no city is going to become garbage-free unless flawless and scientific systems are in place for waste collection and disposal. It cannot be believed that the habit of leaving garbage in empty fields and roadsides will end even after the anti-littering week.

If this bad habit is to be eradicated, plants for processing the waste must also be established along with its collection. First of all, the local bodies need to understand the reality that the menace of waste cannot be eliminated by taking shortcuts. Local bodies complain that people are not agreeing to set up waste treatment plants. The people's objections will disappear only if the residents are convinced by establishing a plant somewhere and showing that there will be no problem with it. People's fierce opposition on this issue continues because of the ordeal at Vilappilsala. The habit of littering can be reduced step by step if there is a proper arrangement for waste collection. Action plans for this should be developed by the local bodies.

Many people use plastic bags to dispose of waste. Therefore, the minister of the LSG department says that he will ask the Centre to increase the GST rate for plastic bags. It cannot be said that there will be any great effect from this as small amounts are not a big problem for anyone these days. Garbage piles up on national highways and roadsides and remains there for days. They are removed by the municipality when there is pressure from the people. In a city like Thiruvananthapuram, the threat posed by slaughterhouse waste is huge. Meat wastes from illegal slaughterhouses are bagged and dumped on roadsides, water bodies, drains etc. None of this can be completely prevented even if cameras are placed all over the country. Strong measures should be taken to bring slaughterhouses under the law. A large number of garbage bags reach empty backyards every day.

Even the central body, Railways, has been found dumping such garbage in big lorries on private land. Such violations are increasing because the municipality does not have an adequate system for waste collection and disposal. Don't think that a week-long campaign can eradicate the menace of garbage. It needs strong measures. Garbage collection should be arranged. Waste bins should be installed at all centres. People should also make it a habit to deposit their waste in these waste bins. Above all, steps should be taken to include matters related to waste problems in the school curriculum right from the first class. Cities and the countryside will be cleaner at least in the future, if the habit of careless littering can be stopped.