Kozhikode’s streets are turning into trash heaps as the Corporation’s CNG waste collection vehicles sit idle, crippling the Haritha Karma Sena’s efforts. Just days after the tragic Valiyangadi building collapse exposed civic delays, this breakdown reveals deeper administrative rot in the city’s waste management.
The Breakdown Story
Eighteen months ago, Kozhikode Corporation invested ₹2.3 crores in 24 CNG goods autorickshaws to streamline non-biodegradable waste collection across three city zones—eight vehicles each. Now, 10 are non-operational, some idle for over three months due to minor issues like wiring faults costing just ₹5,786 to fix. The remaining 14 limp along in fragile shape, leaving bags from homes and shops rotting everywhere as Haritha Karma Sena workers struggle.
Bureaucratic Blunders
Simple repairs stalled in red tape: though engineering owns vehicle maintenance, a clerk sent the service file to health, sparking a blame game. Even after health officers clarified and higher-ups intervened, the file never hit the finance committee for fund approval. Council meetings flagged it, but no action vehicles meant for 10-year service are crumbling in under two years from neglect.
Kozhikode’s waste system relies on community-driven Haritha Karma Sena for segregation, but lacks reliable transport. Past proposals like bio-CNG plants at Njeliyanparambu hint at ambitions, yet execution lags amid Kerala’s decentralized struggles. With recent tragedies amplifying scrutiny, piled-up waste risks health hazards and reeks of mismanagement in a city pushing “clean and green” goals.
Call for Action
Corporation must fast-track repairs, enforce accountability, and audit all assets—before minor glitches snowball into major crises like the four lives lost nearby. Residents deserve better than watching their “City of Sculptures” drown in garbage.
Read more at : https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2026/02/21/cng-vehicles-waste-failure-kozhikode.html