Vehicle seized for dumping septic waste in Kollam

The police have seized a vehicle used for illegally dumping septic waste into the lagoon area of the JICA drinking water project at Paravattam. The action follows an investigation aided by surveillance cameras installed by the Punalur municipality, initiated after local residents complained about waste being dumped during night hours.

The incident came to light when the Punalur municipality reviewed footage from its CCTV network installed across the region. The visual evidence revealed that the waste was discharged from a vehicle bearing registration number KL 16 L 1097 on the night of October 4.

Upon receiving the surveillance footage provided by municipal authorities, the Punalur police located and confiscated the vehicle. Police officials confirmed that formal legal proceedings have been initiated against the owner of the vehicle.

Punalur municipality has installed surveillance cameras at 21 strategic locations across the town, including eight high-definition AI-powered cameras capable of capturing vehicle registration details clearly even at night. Officials said that the municipality has also taken strict action against individuals caught dumping organic waste in public places based on video evidence from this network.

“A dedicated system is in place to review camera footage daily. Stringent legal measures, including heavy monetary fines and prosecution, will be enforced against anyone found illegally dumping waste within municipal limits,” said municipal chairperson M.A. Rajagopal.