Local shopkeepers and tourists indiscriminately dump waste on Marine Drive Walkway, the civic body refuses to clear the garbage mounds. As the monsoon season approaches, this problem has escalated concerns among shopkeepers, tourists and environmentalists alike
Waste Piled up at entrance of Marine Drive Walkway. (Supplied)
The picturesque promenade provides a magnificent view of Kochi’s backwaters and the harbour.
A favorite destination of Kochiites and visitors, the promenade — Marine Drive or APJ Abdul Kalam Walkway — was modelled on its more famous Mumbai counterpart. The planned driveway, however, did not materialise, thanks to coastal regulation norms.
As the sun sets, the Rainbow Bridge comes alive with jaunty lights and the tempting aroma from the several eateries that dot the area envelops the walkway.
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Lazy evenings get lazier here, as manmade wonders merge with nature’s bounty, providing an ethereal feeling that grips visitors even as the cool evening breeze dances on the treetops, and over the lake, creating glimmering, silver-topped ripples that race across as if to embrace the land.
The mornings present a different picture as the health-conscious hit the promenade, walking, jogging, or just watching those who opt for a sprightly start to the day.
One of the ills that dog Kochi has cankered the walkway, offering an eyesore to the otherwise picture-postcard hangout.
With the Southwest Monsoon setting over Kerala, shopkeepers, tourists, and residents are worried. Improper disposal of waste poses a serious threat to the fragile marine ecosystem, public health, and the scenic beauty of the prominent landmark in Kochi, Kerala’s commercial capital.
Waste piled up at entrance of the Marine Drive Walkway. (Supplied)
The area witnessed frequent renovations carried out by Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML), and the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) resulting in an exponential increase in footfall. The rise has unfortunately come with its own drawbacks.
The lack of adequate waste-management infrastructure has led to the accumulation of garbage along the walkway, posing a significant environmental challenge.
Renin K Robert is a regular at the walkway. “This pile of garbage at the entrance has been a constant here for a few months now. Imagine seeing this sight every single day as you come for a walk. The stench makes it worse,” he told South First.
Murugan runs a small accessories shop right in front of the walkway’s entrance.
“They (the civic corporation workers) came with two huge lorries and cleared all waste a few days ago, but it keeps piling up,” he said.
“I mostly see the eateries dumping waste right next to the pathway at the entrance. They don’t have a proper system to dispose of the waste,” he added.
Murugun is concerned about challenges the garbage has been posing to public health. “The heap of waste is a breeding ground for mosquitos and flies. You can feel the sting when you sit here in the evenings,” he said.
The man doesn’t have an alternative, but to brave the mosquito bites. “This is the entrance and this is where I get most of my customers,” he added.
South first spoke to councillor Manu Jacob, representing Ward 67 of the North Ernakulam in the corporation council.
“Private collection agencies collect garbage from the shops and dustbins and keep them at certain collection points,” he said.
“But, the corporation has now decided that it would collect only segregated waste from the collection points. The issue arose as the contracted agencies are not paid enough to segregate the waste. They just dump them at collection points, resulting in little mounds of waste.”
“The GCDA should segregate the waste collected at the walkway, or at least pay the contractor enough to do it. Once segregated, the corporation will clear the waste”
South First spoke to Shaini EK, GCDA’s assistant engineer in charge of the walkway.
“The GCDA cannot take the complete responsibility for the upkeep of the renovated walkway. After renovations by CSML, it has the responsibility to maintain the walkway for one more year. We are now in talks with CSML to sort out out the issue.”
“We have plans to bring in garbage cleaning machinery and to automate the whole process, which, in turn, will address the present issue. Further talks are required to take it further,” Shaini said.
