Thermocol dumping in Parappukkara sparks eco concerns

The large-scale dumping of thermocol waste in the Rappal Pallam area of Parappukkara grama panchayat has triggered widespread concern among residents, who warn that the unauthorised activity could have serious environmental and public health consequences.

Following complaints from local residents, the panchayat has initiated action against those responsible. “We have issued notices to both the landowner and the person who leased the property, directing them to remove the waste within 15 days. A fine of ₹15,000 has also been imposed,” said Parappukkara grama panchayat president Beena Surendran.

Huge sacks of discarded thermocol, spread across several acres in Ward 2 of the panchayat, have turned the area into what residents describe as a waste yard. The dumped material includes thick thermocol insulation sheets used in refrigeration systems, discarded fish packaging boxes, plastic waste and other non-biodegradable materials.

According to local residents, the private land had been leased on the promise of developing an eco-tourism project featuring a floating convention hall, restaurants and other tourism facilities that would generate employment and contribute to the region’s development. However, instead of the promised project, truckloads of thermocol waste have allegedly been brought to the site, mostly during the night, and dumped over a vast area.

According to panchayat authorities the panchayat had granted permission several years ago only for the construction of a 450 sq. ft. office building for the proposed project. They claimed that the approval was being misused to convert the property into a dumping yard without the mandatory clearances.

The indiscriminate disposal of thermocol poses significant environmental risks, residents said. If it reaches rivers, canals or wetlands, the non-biodegradable material can accumulate, obstruct the natural flow of water and aggravate pollution and flooding. They also warned that a fire at the site could release toxic fumes, posing a serious threat to public health and the environment.

The panchayat president, secretary and Health Department officials recently inspected the site. Ms. Surendran said the local body would take further action if the waste was not removed within the stipulated period.