Law to prevent dumping of waste in public places

 Thiruvananthapuram: The government is considering amending the Kerala Panchayati Raj Act and the Municipalities Act to prevent dumping of waste in public places and water bodies, Minister for Finance T. M. Thomas Isaac, has said.

Replying to a question in the Assembly on Thursday, the Minister informed the House that there were no rules at present to curb the dumping of waste in public places.

Dr. Isaac, who was replying to the question on behalf of Minister for Local Administration Paloli Mohammed Kutty, who is indisposed, said the Kerala State Pollution Control Board has already issued notices to 29 abattoirs to close down. The Minister said only 12 of the 44 slaughter houses in the State have scientific waste disposal system. The government has issued directive to close down illegal slaughter houses.

Illegal constructions

The Finance Minister said the Government will take stern action against illegal constructions that have been carried out in the State. A special squad headed by Deputy Director, Panchayat, had been set up in all districts to monitor the steps being taken against illegal constructions at the village level.

Replying to another question, Dr. Isaac said the development of to cents colony, Rajiv Nagar colony, Kannamoola bund colony, Karimadhom colony and Poonkulam Resettlement colony has been cleared by the centre under the Basic Service for Urban Poor programme, a sub-project of the JNURM.

In reply to another question, Dr. Isaac said 3,871 government employees have been redeployed to the local bodies. The government will start monthly bazaars from next month for the sale of goods produced by Kudumbhasree units. Dr. Isaac said steps will be taken to improve the quality of the goods made by Kudumbahsree units and to network them.

Referral hospitals

Minister for Health P. K. Sreemathy said the government has no proposal to convert more government medical college hospitals into referral hospitals.