NGT directs Coimbatore Corporation to clear legacy waste at Vellalore dumpyard by year-end
The National Green Tribunal (Southern Zone), in a hearing held on June 23, 2025 (Monday), directed Coimbatore Corporation to carry out waste segregation on a war footing and clear the legacy waste at the Vellalore dump yard by the end of 2025.
The Corporation has been asked to submit a time-bound action plan in consultation with the Committee headed by the Additional Chief Secretary to the Department of Municipal Administration and Water Supply, which is monitoring the implementation of Solid, Liquid and Other Waste Management Rules.
During the hearing, the Tribunal noted that the segregation percentage had dropped from 36% in November 2023 to 15% in May 2025, while the volume of processed waste increased 64% to 85%. The Corporation stated that only three trommels were being used, which the Tribunal termed inadequate for handling the volume of legacy waste, estimated at over 9.9 lakh metric tonnes as of December 2024.
The Tribunal questioned the delay and called for the use of additional trommels or advanced machinery such as the Power Screen Warrior 1200 to increase daily processing capacity to at least 10,000 tonnes. It also sought a more detailed report on plantation activities on reclaimed land and instructed the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to carry out monthly inspections and submit reports.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on August 7, 2025.
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New Indian Express
9 hours ago
- New Indian Express
NGT orders CCMC to clear Vellalore legacy waste by 2025 end
COIMBATORE: The National Green Tribunal (Southern Zone) has issued a stern directive to the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) to clear the massive backlog of legacy waste at the Vellalore dumpyard by the end of 2025, calling for urgent action on a 'war footing.' The directive came during a hearing held on June 23, presided over by Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana. Expressing dissatisfaction with the corporation's progress, the tribunal criticized the continued suffering of residents in Vellalore, who have for years endured foul odour, mosquito menace, and groundwater pollution caused by the accumulated waste. According to the corporation, over 7.9 lakh metric tonnes of waste have been dumped at the site. However, a recent assessment by Anna University's Environmental Research Centre pegged the figure at 9.4 lakh metric tonnes. Despite initiating bio-mining efforts in February 2021, the tribunal questioned how meaningful progress could be made with only three trommels in operation. They noted that at this pace, it could take years to complete the work. The segregation of solid waste has also dropped sharply, from 36% in November 2023 to 15% in May 2025, even as waste processing improved from 64% to 85%. The tribunal recommended the immediate addition of trommels or the deployment of high-capacity machinery like the Power Screen Warrior 1200 to ramp up daily waste processing to at least 10,000 tonnes. The corporation has been instructed to submit a comprehensive, time-bound action plan to a committee headed by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MAWS) Department. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has also been tasked with conducting monthly inspections and submitting reports. The matter is scheduled for the next hearing on August 7, 2025.
The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
Madurai Corporation calls for CSR funds for better upkeep of crematorium
'If cleanliness is measured by the upkeep of crematoriums in a city, Madurai probably may stand first from the bottom of the score board,' according to environmental activists. Thathaneri is a classic example of how a crematorium should not be maintained. The entire place is not only unhygienic, but also reflects the lackadaisical attitude of the authorities. 'Should the place not be kept clean for the visitors bidding a farewell to their dear ones,' asks V.P. Manikandan, an activist. Though there is huge space, it is not put to use as it should be, and there are seemai karuvelam trees, which are a breeding ground for all kinds of anti-social activities. During rainy season, the trees are home for pigs and stray dogs. There are also allegations of narcotic substances being sold in the crematorium, he adds. The best (read worst) part is that sewer enters the crematorium, and the air, which is already unhealthy, turns more unhygienic. The pungent smell discourages visitors to stay there for even 30 minutes, while remains a haven for the anti-socials. Drunken brawls are a common affair inside the area and youngsters (children in the vicinity) are exposed to it, Malaisamy, a resident of Aruldosspuram, near here, said. Though the Corporation staff at Thathaneri crematorium say there is an over head tank, which provides water for bathing purposes to people performing the last rites, not many use it. Asked about it, a user shares his experience and says the water was green in colour. There were no mugs and the space was too soiled. As per the suggestion of some workers, a private bathing space opposite the crematorium available on payment was used, he adds. Additional sheds required While there are different sheds to cremate the bodies at Thathaneri, not many of the roofs are in proper shape. A month ago, after heavy rainfall in the evening, the roof almost collapsed giving tense moments to relatives who were waiting for the rituals to get completed, says Kumaran, a tender coconut vendor in Thathaneri. The CSR funds from private industry can be utilised for improving the infrastructure. Through the Tamil Nadu government's Namakku Naame scheme, outfits can contribute and provide facilities. Also, the public-private partnership (PPP model) may be explored by responsible citizens and voluntary organisations. The facility at Keerathurai, which is managed by Rotary Club, has ample space for parking two and four-wheelers. The crematorium is clean and a notice board displays the amount to be remitted for cremation. There is instrumental music, which is comforting to visitors, Rotarians say. Isha Foundation has been helping in a big way in Coimbatore for performing the last rites. The crematorium is well-maintained and does not look like one as there is so much greenary, a Madurai-based activist Ravikumar, who recently visited the facility, says . Similarly, service organisations in Madurai can pitch in to maintain the Thathaneri crematorium in an orderly manner. New crematorium Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry supported the construction of a new crematorium near Mattuthavani, which is now the most sought after to conduct the last rites. The facility is clean in many aspects. Donors have raised a small and beautiful green patch inside. Apart from five workers employed in the crematorium on a contract basis, there is an administrator responsible for overall upkeep of the facility, according to Chamber president N. Jagatheesan. Expressing satisfaction, a worker, however, says they would be happy if they are insured by the sponsors. 'We handle different types of bodies, including infected ones, being brought here for performing the last rites and we run a health risk,' he points out. With ₹13,500 as salary, paying premium for health cover would not be possible, he adds. There are a few more crematoriums functioning in Keerathurai and Thiruparankundram, but the city should have one or two on the outskirts as it can be used by the public living on the peripheries of Madurai city. When contacted, Corporation Commissioner Chitra Vijayan said the civic body would welcome an active role from private players in the upkeep of the crematoriums. With funds under corporate social responsibility (CSR), much more could be done for the crematoriums and efficient management by both the civic authorities and the private institutions would benefit the public. Inspection Recently, the Commissioner inspected the Thathaneri crematorium and took stock of the requirements. According to officials, the Commissioner instructed the Health department to visit all crematoriums at periodic intervals. From the Sanitary Inspector (SI) to the City Health Officer (CHO), they should conduct inspections and present reports about the requirements. Instead of visiting them only when there were issues raised by the public, the officials should maintain surveillance and keep the place clean. CCTV cameras Installing CCTV cameras and more lights would discourage the anti-socials from assembling in the crematorium at odd hours. Though there is police patrolling, an outpost at Thathaneri crematorium would help prevent crimes. A fortnight ago, a clash erupted between locals and a group of people, who had come there to perform last rites. Uneasy moments prevailed inside for a long time. The presence of police personnel would instantly silence the noise makers and also prevent untoward incidents, locals said. During rainy days, the number of bodies cremated are on the higher side at Thathaneri alone. On an average, 20 to 25 bodies are brought here and around 500 to 1,000 people stayed from morning till late evening. Theft of vehicles (two-wheelers) are also reported, but due to the absence of CCTV cameras, there is delay in tracing the bike lifters. Madurai City Police have said that all police stations that have crematoriums falling under their jurisidiction have been instructed to patrol them every two hours daily to ensure that there are no untoward incidents. Bodies, especially that are accompanied by huge crowds are watched. However, there seems to be a lot of grievances against the authorities. Recently, a police officer said he caught a habitual offender hiding in Thathaneri crematorium in a special operation as he was wanted in several crimes including a NBW (non bailable warrant) case. The activists also want the custodians of law to book cases against people bursting crackers and hurling garlands en route to the crematoriums.
The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
Tiruchi Reader's Mail
Blocked storm water drain A blocked storm water drain on Lourdusamy Pillai Street, Ayyappa Nagar, LIC Colony, Tiruchi, has become a constant source of distress for residents in the area. The drain was widened for some distance and heaps of soil has been dumped along the road. The drain has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes posing a health hazard to the residents. Timely action is essential to prevent a potential public health issue. Padmanabhan T, Ayyappa Nagar. Welcome move Tiruchi residents have been waiting for a good bus stand and the process of even identifying a suitable location for the integrated bus terminus took 30 years. They were used to the two bus stands - Central bus stand and Chatram bus stand, which are situated at the very heart of the town. With the expansion of the city and transport facilities the establishment of the IBT at Panjapur is quite welcome. But when it is made operational, it should have all the infrastructure for the travelling public. People could wait for a few more weeks or months for the opening of IBT as they should not be put to much difficulties during the transition period. Tiruchi. Heavy traffic Nowadays it has become worse to travel via the roundabout near the new Kollidam bridge at Tiruvanaikoil due to heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. This important roundabout is situated near the roads leading to the Yatri Niwas, Chennai Highway and Kollidam bridge. Despite many requests, no traffic police personnel are deployed to regulate the traffic. A plea to install an automatic traffic signal has also not been addressed. I request the authorities to look into the menacing problem. R. Barathan, Srirangam. Execute UGD The civic administration should give importance to the execution of underground drainage scheme (UGD) in State Bank Colony, Crawford. The area does not have storm water drains and residents find it difficult to dispose of used water/sewage. During the monsoon the situation turns worse. Engaging sewage collection lorries every month is costly. I request the civic authorities to expedite providing UGD house connections. M. Nagarajan, Crawford. Foul smell While the Corporation plans to set up a park along the banks of Rettai Vaical, residents are not able to walk along the road adjacent to it due to the foul odour. The canal is a source of pollution. Unless it is covered there is no use in spending money on parks. How can people walk or children play alongside such a big and stinking drainage canal? Corporation can plant trees and clean the canal. S. Sivaraman, Srirangam. Use bold font Some specifications printed in Aavin milk sachets such as use-by date, cost of milk and quantity are not bold and clear. Often they are stamped or printed on the seams and are illegible. The particulars should be printed in a bolder font and displayed prominently to enable consumers to check for freshness. R. Shankaran, Kumaran Nagar. Operate special bus It is common to see school students travelling on footboard on buses from No. 1 Tollgate to Chathiram bus stand. I request the TNSTC to operate at least a special bus each for boys and girls in the mornings from No.1 Tollgate to Chathiram bus stand and in the evenings from Chathiram bus stand to No.1 Tollgate. S. Sivakumar, Musiri. Flex boards Tiruchi is flooded with flex boards of various temple festivals, birthday greetings and death announcements. Whenever leaders of ruling party and opposition parties visit, a large number of flex boards is put up. The windy season is ahead and the boards and hoardings could be uprooted. There should be a blanket ban on flex boards in the city. Officials should act prudently in public interest. H. Ghouse Baig, Tiruchi.
