Latest news with #LSGD
New Indian Express
7 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Nearly half of Wayanad's tourism constructions illegal: Government study
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Nearly half of all tourism-related constructions in Wayanad are operating without a valid licence, according to a study by the local self-government department. The comprehensive report, released last week on sustainable and responsible tourism, has uncovered widespread regulatory violations, rampant illegal operations, and blatant environmental disregard affecting the district's tourism sector. The study by the planning wing of the department revealed that nearly half of all tourism establishments in Wayanad -- including resorts, homestays, and serviced villas -- are operating illegally. Only 56% of these properties hold the mandatory LSGD licence, a mere 16% are registered under GST, and just 53% have secured consent from the Pollution Control Board (PCB) -- a critical requirement for ensuring environmental compliance and responsible operations. One of the most alarming revelations is the unchecked operation of tourism properties within environmentally sensitive and hazardous zones. Numerous establishments have been built or are under construction in designated High Hazard Zones (HHZ) or within 500-metre buffer zones identified for landslide and flood vulnerability. These zones are particularly fragile given Wayanad's history of tragic landslides and frequent human-wildlife conflicts. Yet, many tent stays and resorts in these regions lack even basic safety measures such as fencing or emergency response infrastructure. Meanwhile, Wayanad district panchayat president Samshad Marakkar has called for crackdown on illegal tourist establishments. Expressing concern over the growing number of tourist accidents linked to unauthorised resorts and accommodations, he said that many of these facilities operate without the knowledge of local bodies. 'Several of these resorts are located in remote, inaccessible areas with poor or no road connectivity. In emergencies, rescue operations become extremely difficult,' he said. He added that the study would serve as a baseline document and that the district panchayat has recommended the formation of special inspection squads under each local body to identify, inspect, and take corrective action against illegal constructions.
New Indian Express
a day ago
- General
- New Indian Express
Corporation set to tackle food waste crisis with black soldier fly composting
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In an effort to combat the mounting organic garbage crisis in the state capital, the city corporation is all set to introduce black soldier fly (BSF) composting technology to manage food waste. The eco-friendly waste-treatment method, with a proven record in Kochi, is expected to reduce the city's dependence on private service providers and pig farms. The civic body is planning to set up two BSF composting units in the city over the next four months. According to officials, over 100 tonnes of food waste is currently collected daily by service providers and Haritha Karma Sena (HKS) members from households, restaurants and eateries. However, unregulated collection practices and illegal dumping have raised a lot of questions. 'Unlike aerobic composting, BSF composting units require more space. A BSF composting unit will take up at least an acre of land. We have identified three acres of land at two locations and one of the units will come up on two acres,' an official source said. The move comes amid repeated criticism by the local self-government department (LSGD) of delays and inefficiencies in the city's organic waste management initiatives. Recently, LSGD Minister M B Rajesh convened a high-level meeting to draw up a comprehensive action plan to resolve the food waste crisis in the city. Special secretary Anupama T V has been assigned to oversee implementation of the plan. In addition to the BSF plants, the civic body also plans to expand the capacity of the existing rapid composting plant in Kalladimukham to 50 tonnes and set up a new unit at Chalai. Meanwhile, the plan to set up a compressed bio-gas (CBG) plant is gaining pace.
New Indian Express
14-06-2025
- New Indian Express
Citizens to get reward for reporting waste dumping in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a move to boost public participation in curbing illegal waste dumping, the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) has revised the reward system for citizens reporting littering and related violations. As per a new order, those who provide valid evidence of such violations will now receive 25% of the fine imposed on offenders. Until now, local bodies were giving Rs 2,500 as a fixed reward for reporting violations. LSGD Minister M B Rajesh, in a release issued here, said the initiative is aimed at encouraging citizen involvement in monitoring waste violations in public spaces. He also directed local bodies to ensure that those who report such violations with evidence are duly rewarded. To strengthen enforcement, the department plans to expand its surveillance network by involving Haritha Karma Sena members, NSS volunteers, SPC cadets, college students, and other community groups. The WhatsApp number 9446700800, launched for hassle-free reporting, has already received an overwhelming response. A dedicated control room has been set up at the principal directorate of LSGD to handle the complaints. So far, 8,674 complaints have been received, with action taken on 5,361 cases supported by evidence. Of the resolved cases, 84.41% pertained to clean-up operations. Authorities have imposed fines totaling Rs 33.5 lakh, and legal proceedings have been initiated against 31 people. Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram reported the highest number of complaints, while Wayanad saw the fewest. As per the law, individuals or establishments found littering or burning waste can be fined up to Rs 5,000. Discharging waste water into public places or water bodies will attract a fine ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000. Dumping sewage or hazardous waste into water bodies is a criminal offence punishable with fines ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 and imprisonment of six months to one year.
Time of India
01-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Outer area growth corridor project in Thiruvananthapuram faces more delay
: The outer area growth corridor (OAGC) project, one of the flagship development initiatives spearheaded by the capital region development programme (CRDP), is facing yet another delay. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The project, planned as part of Vizhinjam port-related industrialisation, remains in limbo as local self-govt department (LSGD) is yet to approve the revised master plan and detailed project report (DPR) submitted by CRDP. OAGC was envisioned to support the structured expansion of the city by developing peripheral zones, easing urban congestion and enhancing infrastructure in emerging suburbs. Economic zones have been proposed at Vizhinjam, Kovalam, Kattakada, Nedumangad, Vembayam, Mangalapuram, Kilimanoor and Kallambalam as part of the project. However, procedural delays stalled its implementation. According to LSGD sources, CRDP's latest submissions are still under review with no significant progress. "The revised master plan and DPR have been with the department for several weeks now, but the file hasn't moved forward," said an official familiar with the developments. State govt's priority is to develop Vizhinjam-Kollam-Punalur industrial corridor project, said sources. Ajit Kumar, CRDP special officer, who pioneered the project's master plan, will be transferred to New Delhi as part of central deputation, sources said . Earlier, LSGD sought modifications to the initial proposals, citing planning inconsistencies and lack of clarity on key infrastructure elements. CRDP revised and resubmitted the documents. Despite this, bureaucratic bottlenecks continue to stall the project. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "The intention was to kickstart work by mid-2025 but with the current pace of approvals, that timeline seems increasingly unrealistic," said an official. Meanwhile, APM Mohammed Hanish, principal secretary, industries department, told TOI that state govt has taken up the delay issue and will expedite the proceedings as soon as possible. "The file is in LSGD. This project doesn't come under the industries department. However, govt will take prompt action," Hanish said. However, when contacted, senior LSGD officials were unavailable for comment. Urban planners and local stakeholders expressed concern over the delay, warning that prolonged inaction could affect the city's future growth prospects. "Thiruvananthapuram is expanding rapidly and without a coordinated plan for its outskirts, we risk facing serious urban sprawl and infrastructure stress," said SN Raghuchandran Nair, president, Thiruvananthapuram Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Earlier, CRDP retendered a new project management consultant after finding the previously appointed Kitco Ltd unsuitable for a project of this scale. However, officials remain optimistic about commencing the OAGC project by this year.
The Hindu
15-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Fitness check of school buildings under way in Kozhikode
The engineering team under the Local Self-Government department (LSGD) has started evaluating the fitness of school buildings in Kozhikode district to ensure the safety of students as the new academic year is round the corner. Around 1,300 school buildings will be covered by the ongoing fitness check in compliance with the State government's safety instructions. The process is expected to cover all government-aided and unaided schools in two weeks. Under the revised norms, fitness certificates will be made mandatory for even temporary facilities arranged for the development or maintenance of the existing buildings. Instructions have also been issued to schools to complete all maintenance works by May 27. Education department officials confirmed that the fitness check would be comprehensive and would cover amenities, electronic equipment, and office accessories. The condition of wells, drinking water supply systems, and comfort stations would be specifically recorded before issuing fitness certificates, they added. An engineer associated with the inspection team said any safety flaws noticed during field-level inspections would lead to the temporary withholding of fitness certificates as per the Kerala Education Rules. He added that the process would ensure that all buildings would be fit to withstand monsoon-related challenges. Heads of a few grama panchayats said all emergency maintenance works had been completed in a majority of schools in consultation with parent-teacher associations. They pointed out that the ongoing maintenance works in a few buildings could be completed within a week. According to officials, school buildings constructed in environmentally sensitive areas will have to go through multiple levels of inspections, apart from the one now being carried out by the LSGD engineering wing. The instructions earlier issued by the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights will also have to be followed in the case of such buildings. There were isolated incidents of cracks developing on school buildings in the upland areas of Kozhikode district as a result of frequent quarry blasts. A few managements had taken up the issue with the higher authorities, citing that the denial of fitness certificates in such cases was not justifiable, and that the quarry operators concerned should meet the expenses of maintenance works.
