Kerala human rights panel appoints ex-Chief Secretary S.M. Vijayanand to monitor waste management in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation

Even as the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation authorities in Kerala face heat over waste management failures, the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) on Tuesday (August 11, 2026) appointed a special rapporteur-cum-special monitor to evaluate and advise on various issues involved in solid waste disposal in the city. The commission, which had taken suo motu cognisance of the issue in July, has now appointed former Chief Secretary S.M. Vijayanand as the special monitor, with a two-member team of experts to aid him.

The commission had initiated the proceedings after noting that the Corporation was facing a huge crisis after canals and water bodies were found to be filled up with huge amount of waste materials, including plastics. The Pazhavangadi canal, Thekkanamkara canal and other canals had turned huge waste carriers, with large quantities of waste being dumped illegally. The drainages adjacent to the public roads were not being cleaned regularly, the SHRC noted.

On July 6, the commission had directed functionaries of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation as well as the Principal Director, Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) to conduct an inspection and take effective action. During the hearing on Tuesday, SHRC chairperson Alexander Thomas observed that for ensuring a proper assessment and evaluation of various problems and for an appropriate solution-centred approach, the service of a domain expert was required.

In addition to advising the local body on waste management issues, Mr. Vijayanand, who is chairman of Centre for Management Development (CMD), will monitor the issues related illegal dumping of huge waste materials in the various places.

Domain experts

The two domain experts who will assist him are R. Ajayakumar, former chief scientist, National Centre for Earth Science Studies and former executive director, Suchitwa Mission; and N. Jagajeevan, waste management consultant, Suchitwa Mission.

They will all function on pro bono basis.

The SHRC has directed the Corporation to furnish all data regarding the existing waste management programmes, including human resources, infrastructure and financial details as well as the details regarding proposed solid waste management plans and required funding, to the special rapporteur. The Health Officer of the Corporation will function as the liaison officer to the special rapporteur.

The public as well as representatives of residents’ associations within the limits of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation can give written submissions regarding general or localised problems directly connected with solid waste disposal and their suggestions for resolution to the rapporteur.

The rapporteur will file interim reports at periodic intervals and a final report before the commission by December 31, 2026.