Thiruvananthapuram aims for garbage-free status by March

Thiruvananthapuram is moving closer to being declared a garbage-free city. A special meeting on March 21 focused on speeding up waste management efforts before the deadline at the end of the month. The city must meet 13 guidelines to achieve this status, including providing material collection facilities. Health Standing Committee chairperson Gayathri Babu reported on the progress at the meeting. Most wards are nearing completion of the required tasks, but some work remains, particularly in the nine major tourist areas. Out of 1,438 government offices, 1,400 have been recognized as "green offices." All schools have completed their activities, while 45 out of 47 colleges have also declared their green status. Challenges in the markets have made progress slower, with 80% managing to achieve green status despite complications. Over the next week, there will be increased grassroots activities with public involvement to push towards the garbage-free goal. An international conference on waste management is planned for April 9 to 13 at Kanakakunnu palace. BJP leader M.R. Gopan expressed concern about the unrealistic targets given the limited time. He suggested that results may come with ongoing efforts in the future. Tensions arose during the meeting when Congress councillor Johnson Joseph accused some officials of delaying crucial files, leading to a heated exchange with LDF councillors. Mayor Arya Rajendran affirmed the Corporation’s support for honest officials following proper procedures.