Title - : Action council to block garbage trucks today

Representatives of the Kochu Veli Janakeeya Samithi said they would stage a sit-in in front of the railway station where garbage from the city was being used for a platform construction project.In what could be a repeat of the Vilappilsala showdown, the action council formed at Kochuveli in protest against the disposal of garbage at the railway station has decided to block garbage trucks from the city on Tuesday.Representatives of the Kochu Veli Janakeeya Samithi said they would stage a sit-in in front of the railway station where garbage from the city was being used for a platform construction project.Samithi convener G. Vasantharaj said nearly 300 people were expected to gather in front of the railway station at around 11 a.m. and block the garbage trucks despite the prohibitory order issued by the District Collector.“The decision to stage a protest and block the garbage trucks was taken at a meeting convened by the Samithi on Monday. Representatives of all major political parties, social and community organisations, and residents’ association in the area participated in the meeting and extended their support,” he said.Samithi chairman K. Vidyadharan said neither the prohibitory order nor the possibility of heavy rain would dissuade the protesters.

“We are aware of the declaration of prohibitory order and are ready to face the consequences. However, we cannot allow dumping of waste from the city in our area. Before the sit-in and blockade, we will canvass local residents and try to persuade them to join the protest,” he said.

Meanwhile, Revenue Divisional Officer Mohammed Musthafa said the government and the city Corporation would go ahead with the waste disposal project on Tuesday. He said the district administration would provide full support to the Corporation to transport garbage to Kochuveli. “The prohibitory order is still in place, and we will provide police escort to the garbage trucks. If there is any hindrance to the garbage movement and disposal, the police and the district administration will take appropriate action,” he said.

Mayor K. Chandrika said the Corporation would transport garbage to Kochuveli as per the government order. “Whether the truck is blocked or not is not our worry. We are transporting garbage as per the government direction. To provide protection for our personnel and property is the responsibility of the government and the police,” she said.