With the local bodies demonstrating their lack of competence in tackling the solid waste management scenario in the district, the administration itself has stepped in to lend support in empowering

Fund To Benefit 28 Projects In 15 Municipalities

Twenty-eight projects worth Rs 948 crore submitted by 15 municipal corporations in the state have got the green light from the Union urban development ministry. This was announced by urban affairs minister Manjalamkuzhi Ali here on Tuesday.

Raging issue sparks heated exchange at council meeting

Consensus in the Kottayam municipal council on managing the waste generated in the town still remains elusive. The issue sparked a heated exchange between councillors of the ruling front during a council meet held here on Monday.

Signalling the end of the impasse over the Vadavathoor dumping yard issue, the representatives of Vijayapuram grama panchayat and Kottayam Municipality will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

The budget proposal to aid local bodies in taking up waste-to-energy projects in public-private partnership mode is expected to improve urban waste management in Kochi and other cities.

Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram had proposed “to support municipalities implementing waste-to-energy projects by offering viability gap funding, repayable grant and low-cost capital”.

Protesters’ forum at Vadavathur to continue agitations

In the midst of yet another controversy over the dumping yard at Vadavathur, the authorities of the Kottayam municipality have sought to clarify that no decision has been made to adopt the landfill method for waste disposal. Instead, the method of capping would be made use of in order to check any contamination from the waste accumulated at the yard.

Prohibition on the use of plastic bags thinner than 40 microns

The Kottayam Municipality has commenced operations to enforce the ban on plastic items. The authorities have launched a drive to inspect commercial establishments to make sure the ban is adhered to. Though the municipality accepted the decision of the District Administration in June, a formal ban came into effect only on August 1.

Electricity, water supply connections pending

The installation of the e-toilet beside the Thirunakkara ground in Kottayam Municipality has entered its final phase and is likely to be commissioned within a week. The facility is being installed by the Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation (Keltron). While the unit has already been installed, the electricity and water supply connections are still pending. Municipal Standing committee (Health) chairman V.K. Anil Kumar expressed optimism that the pending work could be completed within a few days’ time, thereby paving way for the launch within a week.

The Kottayam Municipality has provided thrust towards strengthening the distribution of drinking water and the waste management system through its budget estimate for 2012-13. The budget, presented by Municipal vice-chairperson and chairperson of the Standing Committee on Finance Mayakutty John, and approved by the Municipal Council on Thursday, expects a total revenue of Rs. 66,24,84,673 and a total expenditure of Rs. 61,18,85,805, with a surplus of Rs. 5,05,98,868.

Proposal to include medical college in Central scheme

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has said that the State government would spare no efforts in tackling the issue of waste disposal at the Kottayam Medical College hospital. He was speaking on Sunday while launching the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the MCH and inaugurating the Golden Jubilee complex sponsored by the college alumni association.