Dumping of waste by tourist vehicles along Kozhikode-Kannur NH remains unchecked

The improper disposal of plastic waste and food remnants from tourist vehicles is becoming a growing concern along isolated stretches of national and State highways in Kozhikode district. Sanitation workers have raised complaints about the issue, but the authorities are yet to take stringent action.

Inter-State and inter-district tourist vehicles are reportedly flouting waste management rules by not making proper arrangements to collect and dispose of waste. Complaints are on the rise regarding the careless dumping of waste from such vehicles along the roadside.

“There are several regular stops along the Kozhikode-Kannur National Highway where tourist vehicles frequently park for short breaks. Tourists often leave their food leftovers at these spots, and no one questions this behaviour,” said V. V. Manoj, a sanitation worker from Thiruvangoor. He added that the number of such spots was steadily increasing between Koyilandy and Vadakara.

Sanitation workers from Payyoli have been urging action against the reckless waste dumping for several months. They said that ongoing road widening works and the lack of sufficient streetlights were enabling many to avoid detection by residents. They also recommended placing more cautionary boards to warn tourists and tour operators.

Members of the Thamarassery Ghat Road Protection Committee said they have been monitoring inter-State and inter-district tourist vehicles to reduce such incidents. They mentioned that in the past, tourists had carelessly discarded plastic bundles, baby diapers, and food waste along the Ghat road, and that improved camera surveillance had helped in addressing the issue.

“As most motorists drive over the discarded waste, the cleanliness of the road will be in a piteous state. There is also a risk of street dogs gathering at these spots, which could create safety concerns for both pedestrians and drivers,” said a young civil engineer involved in the ongoing road widening works near Vadakara. He also added that removing waste run over by vehicles on the newly tarred surface was a challenging task for the workers.

Meanwhile, owners of some leading tour operator companies said that they have proper waste collection systems in place for passengers to prevent littering. They also mentioned that road enforcement squads frequently check the arrangements during flash inspections.