The Thiruvananthapuram corporation has gone in for a rethink on its earlier decision to shift the agriculture office at Kudappanakkunnu to set up a decentralised waste collection and treatment centre. The decision had kicked up a row as both the MLA and the ward councillor said that they were not consulted regarding the plan to shift the agriculture office. The Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) too waded into the issue, organising protests against the proposal.
As per a communication from the Corporation to the Kudappanakkunnu Agricultural Officer on June 19, the civic body conveyed that it has decided to relocate the agriculture office from its current building to the first floor of the Kuduappanakkunnu zonal office of the Corporation. The fifty cents of land occupied currently by the agriculture office was to be used for setting up decentralised waste management mechanisms to address the garbage-related issues in the region.
According to V.K.Prasanth MLA, he as well as the local councillor were unaware of such a plan until the order was issued. However, as soon as they came to know about it, they expressed their opposition to the idea.
“The agriculture office at Kudappanakkunnu is one of the best performing ones under the Corporation. It has initiated several innovative programmes including an active Karshika Karma Sena. When I came to know about this plan, I spoke to the Mayor regarding the issue. It has been agreed in principle to find another suitable location for the decentralised waste management facility,” said Mr.Prasanth.
Pathirappally ward councillor M.S.Kasthuri of the CPI(M) said that the agriculture office was renovated last year at a cost of ₹45 lakh with the addition of an eco shop. The shifting of the facility would not be in the interests of the public, she said.
Published – June 29, 2025 08:38 pm IST
