Waste discharge by tourist vehicles along Kozhikode-Kannur NH remains without control

Inadequate elimination of plastic waste and food remains of tourist vehicles is becoming a growing concern along isolated sections of national and state roads in the Kozhikode district. Sanitation workers have raised complaints about the issue, but the authorities have not yet taken strict measures.

According to reports, tourist vehicles between states and intercals are breaking the waste management rules by not making the appropriate arrangements to collect and get rid of waste. Complaints are increasing with respect to the careless discharge of waste from these vehicles along the road.

“There are several regular stops along the Kozhikode-Kannur National Highway, where tourist vehicles are often parked for short breaks. Tourists often leave their leftovers of food in these places, and nobody questions this behavior, ”said VV Loj, a Thiruvangoor sanitation worker. He added that the number of such points constantly increased between Koyilandy and Vadakara.

Payyoli sanitation workers have been urging action against the spilling of reckless waste for several months. They said that the expansion works of the current road and the lack of enough lampposts were allowing many to avoid the detection of residents. They also recommended placing more warned together to warn tourists and tour operators.

The members of the Thamarassery Ghat road protection committee said they have been monitoring tourist vehicles between states and inter-districts to reduce such incidents. They mentioned that in the past, tourists had carelessly ruled out plastic packages, baby diapers and food waste along the Ghat road, and that a better camera surveillance had helped address the problem.

“As most motorists lead on discarded waste, road cleaning will be in a poor state. There is also a risk that stray dogs meet in these places, which could create security concerns for both pedestrians and drivers, ”said a young civil engineer involved in the expansion works of roads in progress near Vadakara . He also added that eliminating the waste run over by vehicles on the newly tarreding surface was a challenging task for workers.

Meanwhile, the owners of some leading companies of tourist operators said they have adequate waste collection systems for passengers to avoid garbage. They also mentioned that road application squads frequently verify the arrangements during flash inspections.