more-in Those who dump waste in public places should be brought to book, said P.T. Thomas, MLA. He was speaking at the Kanayannur Taluk Development Samithi meeting here on Saturday. The Samithi also passed a resolution demanding that those who dump septage in waterbodies like the backwaters and along the Container Road should be punished. Driver, cleaner and owner of such vehicles should be booked under Section 340 and prosecuted, the resolution said. Officials representing the Kochi Corporation said the Corporation health squad did not have police protection though they faced threats from goons. Mr. Thomas, calling for stringent action, also alleged that there was a mafia operating behind the dumping of waste in public places. Water Leakage of water from the vehicles used by the Kochi Corporation to transport waste was a major problem, it was pointed out. The meeting also decided to ask local self-government entities to prevent transport of waste in open lorries. It was also pointed out that only three of the 19 compactors, 10 of the 24 tipper lorries; 19 of the 46 smaller vehicles and only one of the three earth movers owned by the Corporation were in good condition and functional. It was pointed out that there had been rampant complaints about the increasing use of addictive and intoxicating materials among students. Instructions have been issued for raids on school premises by the Excise Department. Police action has also been sought against anti-social elements entering a Panampilly Nagar shopping complex during night time. Thrikkakara municipality Chairperson M.T. Omana demanded steps to protect the Varikkorichira.

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