People's collective fights, saves Thettiyar canal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The residents of an apartment complex from which sewage water was polluting Vallathode pond and Thettiyar canal have raised money to repair its sewage treatment plant.  The transformation of Krystal Group residents is regarded as a big success story by Kerala State Pollution Control Board officials. They say it proves that efforts connected with the canal’s rejuvenation by the collective, Thettityar Sahajeevan Swaraj, are fruitful. 

At a meeting the other day at Technopark connected with Thettiyar rejuvenation, an offender from whose compound sewage water was being released into the canal apologised.  The owner of Salam Kailas Ladies’ Hostel, who said sorry, has assured that they will correct the issue at the earliest. They were issued a closure notice by the KSPCB. However, on Tuesday, they will  submit proof of the work on their sewage treatment plant progressing according to board officials.

The story of Krystal Group apartment complex becomes  heartening  as the builder had left the work midway. The residents were at a loss  and had to find a means to cope with their situation. The STP was inadequate. The residents then got together, formed an association, raised lakhs of rupees  and ensured that their 100 kld plant was functioning. Now they have started planting plantains on the compound.

The treated water from the plant will be used to irrigate the plantains. They will  set  up a food waste composting mechanism as well  and  grow vegetables organically, according to association representatives. The Thettiyar collective has proposed to try out Decentralised Wastewater Treatment System (DEWATS), which is being experimented in  Alappuzha, for institutions, apartments and residences in and around Technopark.