Thiruvananthapuram Zoo fined for untreated wastewater discharge

The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo has been fined Rs 50,000 for discharging untreated wastewater into nearby drains. This situation has caused significant public problems. The zoo's sewage treatment plant has not been working for several years, and waste has been piling up in local areas. Residents and environmental activists have complained about the issue many times, but zoo officials did not take action. As a result, the city corporation has given the zoo a 15-day deadline to repair the sewage treatment plant. The untreated wastewater is flowing into a drain connected to a local tributary, raising concerns about pollution near important government offices. Environmentalists are worried that the wastewater contains dangerous bacteria, which could harm public health. Residents are also suffering from bad smells and unsanitary conditions because of the waste. Local activist Sanjeev SJ criticized zoo management for ignoring complaints and accused its former director of failing to address these issues. The city corporation has confirmed the fine and warned that more actions may follow if the sewage plant is not repaired. Officials stated that the zoo had previously been instructed to avoid pollution in the nearby canal but did not act to correct the problem. The administrative officer of the museum and zoo department, AS Sabitha Bai, said the sewage treatment plant will be working again by March 31. She explained that maintenance delays were due to problems with equipment damaged in 2021. Sabitha assured that repairs are moving quickly now and that all construction done at the zoo was approved and for the benefit of the animals.