Activists urge Coimbatore Corporation to prevent curb dumping of solid waste into streams and canals

Environmental activists urge Coimbatore Corporation to prevent public waste dumping in streams and canals to reduce water pollution.

Environmental activists have urged the Coimbatore Corporation to take immediate steps to prevent throwing of solid waste into the city’s streams and canals.

“Waste thrown into the canals contributes to water pollution. Much of it is plastic, particularly multi-layered plastic products (MLCPs). Over time, chemical additives used in MLCPs—such as plasticisers and dyes—can leach into the water when soaked in sewage, potentially contaminating water bodies. The canals feed into the city’s lakes, such as the Raja Vaikkal, which connects several of these lakes and spreads the pollution across the urban water network,” said an environmental activist.

N. Senthilkumar, another activist, said, “When the Corporation removed the garbage bins from the city, waste continued to be dumped at the same spots. However, when cameras and watchmen were placed, along with signs warning against dumping and fines imposed, waste disposal improved. Similarly, a mesh net or fencing could be placed along bunds and bridges to prevent waste from being thrown into the streams.”

Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran said, “The primary reason for waste being discarded outside is the irregular collection of waste. The private contractor previously engaged failed to collect waste regularly, leading to numerous complaints. We have replaced the contractor, and 50 new waste collection trucks will be procured to ensure waste is collected daily. If necessary, we will identify the spots where waste is being thrown into streams and establish a 24-hour monitoring system with cameras, personnel, and wire mesh fencing.”