THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Based on state police chief’s directive, all city police stations were to book those who dump or burn plastic waste in the public. However, police officials who are unhappy about acting on the directive say that they are short-staffed to even to handle the everyday law and order situation. Police is yet to act on the daily burning of plastic waste in market areas around Erumakkuzhy, Kuriyathi, Pettah and Edappazhinji among the other places.
“When there is a dedicated health wing to keep a check on plastic waste, why was such a responsibility being given to us? We have the ongoing Sabarimala season, traffic management, VIP duties and law and order situations to handle. All these are being managed by a limited manpower,” complained a station house officer.
The corporation health officials have said that the police was yet to get in touch with them to identify hotspots where plastic is burnt. The SPC order had directed cops to identify such zones. “Beat patrol parties will look into illegal dumpers of plastic and those who burn them. A similar order from court is already in force. We have been steadily booking offenders and will intensify actions,” city police commissioner Sparjan Kumar said.
