The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation continues to face criticism over shortcomings in waste handling. On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the State Human Rights Commission appointed a special rapporteur and monitor to assess and guide solid waste disposal matters in the city. The commission had earlier taken up the matter on its own in July and selected former Chief Secretary S.M. Vijayanand for the role, supported by a two-member expert team.
The proceedings began after the commission observed that canals and water bodies were clogged with large volumes of waste, including plastics. The Pazhavangadi and Thekkanamkara canals, among others, had become major carriers of illegally dumped refuse. Adjacent road drains were also not cleaned on a regular schedule.
On July 6, the commission instructed Corporation officials and the Principal Director of the Local Self-Government Department to inspect the sites and implement corrective measures. During the Tuesday hearing, chairperson Alexander Thomas noted that expert input was necessary for a thorough evaluation and effective solutions.
Besides advising the local body, Mr. Vijayanand, who chairs the Centre for Management Development, will track illegal waste dumping across multiple locations. He will be assisted by R. Ajayakumar, former chief scientist at the National Centre for Earth Science Studies and former executive director of Suchitwa Mission, and N. Jagajeevan, a waste management consultant with Suchitwa Mission. All three will serve without compensation.
The commission directed the Corporation to supply data on current waste programmes, including staffing, infrastructure, finances, and future plans. The Corporation Health Officer will act as liaison. Residents and association representatives may submit written concerns or suggestions directly to the rapporteur. Interim reports will be filed periodically, with a final report due by December 31, 2026.
