Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) national general secretary and MLA P.K. Kunhalikutty led a protest on Monday against a waste treatment facility linked to a slaughterhouse in Ambayathode, Kozhikode district. Joining him was MLA M.K. Muneer, as party members mobilized against what they term a significant environmental threat.
Pollution has emerged as a pivotal issue in the ongoing local body elections across several districts, becoming a hot topic among voters. Reports of severe air pollution from industrial emissions and the illegal release of untreated wastewater into local water bodies have heightened public awareness, raising concerns about potential electoral repercussions for incumbent parties.
The protests against the poultry waste treatment plant in Kozhikode have mobilized over 5,000 residents across four grama panchayats, reflecting a growing sentiment among voters. The action committee behind the demonstrations is actively campaigning for IUML candidates, indicating that environmental issues will significantly influence voter attitudes.
“Our fight is against the operations of this polluting factory,” asserted Thampi Parakandathil, chief patron of the local action committee. “We will not back down, regardless of police actions against our members, and we seek support from all political factions.”
The longstanding issue of foul odors and deteriorating air quality from emissions in the Edayar industrial area has intensified discussions surrounding the Eloor municipality in Ernakulam. P.M. Ayoob, leader of the United Democratic Front’s parliamentary party, criticized the ruling front for failing to enforce regulations against polluters, claiming the Kerala State Pollution Control Board lacks the necessary authority to act.
In response, the Left Democratic Front, which has governed the local civic body since 2015, claimed to have made efforts to tackle pollution problems. “We have always supported protests demanding resolutions,” stated A.D. Sujil, the outgoing chairperson and candidate for Ward 5. The Left coalition has also nominated environmental activist K.K. Muhammed Iqbal as an independent candidate for Ward 6. “I agreed to contest following assurances that the next council will prioritize pollution issues,” he noted.
A senior official from the Pollution Control Board refuted allegations of negligence, insisting that appropriate actions have been taken against non-compliant units.
Further south in Kollam, the ecological crisis surrounding Ashtamudi Lake has become a crucial issue in the local elections. Opposition parties are capitalizing on this situation, particularly after studies revealed sewage contamination in the lake, a designated Ramsar site since 2002. “Despite spending ₹12 crore on the ‘Jeevananu Ashtamudi Jeevikkanam Ashtamudi’ project, the lake’s condition remains dire,” highlighted Bindu Krishna, former president of the District Congress Committee.
In 2024, the Kerala High Court mandated immediate action from the district administration to remove illegal encroachments around the lake and prevent further pollution. Recent findings from the University of Kerala revealed alarming levels of microplastic contamination in Ashtamudi’s ecosystem. Local resident Sathi Devi lamented, “The dumping of untreated wastewater, combined with ongoing disposal of plastics and poultry waste, continues to poison our lake.”
With the public increasingly aware of environmental issues, it remains to be seen how these concerns will shape voter sentiment as local body elections draw closer.
Categories: Kerala
Tags: Pollution, Local Elections, Environmental Issues, IUML, Edayar, Ashtamudi Lake
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-local-body-polls-2025-rival-fronts-fear-public-anger-as-pollution-hogs-the-limelight/article70322035.ece
Category : Kerala
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Publish Date: 2025-11-26 09:40:00
