IMA waste treatment plant faces local resistance

Thiruvananthapuram: The proposed bio-medical waste treatment plant at Elavupulam, near Palode, Thiruvananthapuram, a project by Indian Medical Association Goes Eco-Friendly (IMAGE) is running into rough weather, in the light of a report by the Revenue department of the State Government.

The report prepared by Tahsildar stated that five acres of the plot purchased by IMA for the purpose, are farmland and construction permission cannot be granted for the same. It also says that the existence of an advasi colony nearby has to be considered, and that the construction of the plant at the proposed site may invite popular agitation. In addition, the report further draws attention to an ecological implication, since the facility will endanger the wetlands and water springs around it.

There is also uncertainty arising from the Peringamala grama panchayat side who passed a resolution against the plant and people of all party affiliations put up strong objection to it at a pulic hearing held on Wednesday. The hearing was marked by the presence of a large number of local population holding placards against the plant. The whole area was seen dotted with posters and flex boards against the plant and they warned against the "threat to life posed by the plant."

A spokesman of the punchayat argued out that they could not allow such an installation in the forest area as it is a part of the United National Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) world heritage site.