Kerala Human Rights Panel Appoints Ex-Chief Secretary to Tackle Thiruvananthapuram Waste Crisis
The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has appointed former Chief Secretary S.M. Vijayanand as a special rapporteur-cum-special monitor to evaluate and advise on solid waste management in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. The move comes amid growing concerns over the city's deteriorating waste disposal systems.
The commission, which had taken suo motu cognisance of the issue in July, announced the appointment on Tuesday (August 11, 2026). Mr. Vijayanand will be assisted by a two-member team of domain experts, and all will work on a pro bono basis.
The SHRC initiated proceedings after noting that the Corporation was facing a huge crisis, with canals and water bodies found to be filled with large amounts of waste, including plastics. The Pazhavangadi canal, Thekkanamkara canal and other canals had turned into waste carriers, with illegal dumping occurring extensively. Drainages adjacent to public roads were not being cleaned regularly, the commission observed.
On July 6, the commission had directed officials of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation and the Principal Director of the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) to conduct an inspection and take effective action. During Tuesday's hearing, SHRC chairperson Alexander Thomas noted that a domain expert was required to ensure proper assessment and a solution-centred approach.
Mr. Vijayanand, who is also chairman of the Centre for Management Development (CMD), will advise the local body on waste management issues and monitor problems related to illegal dumping of waste materials.
The two experts assisting him are 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.
The SHRC has directed the Corporation to provide all data regarding existing waste management programmes, including human resources, infrastructure, financial details, and proposed plans with required funding, to the special rapporteur. The Health Officer of the Corporation will serve as the liaison officer.
Residents and representatives of residents' associations within the Corporation limits can submit written representations regarding general or localised problems related to solid waste disposal, as well as their suggestions for resolution, to the rapporteur.
The rapporteur is expected to file interim reports periodically and submit a final report to the commission by December 31, 2026.
