The Hindu 20.10.2010
Traders protest against Lalur model project
Staff Reporter
| Say the project will block entrance to the market |
ON THE WARPATH:Traders protest against construction activities under the Lalur Model Project at Thrissur Sakthan Thampuran Market on Tuesday. —
Thrissur: Traders on Tuesday protested against setting up of a garbage treatment plant near Sakthan Thampuran Market. They alleged that the on-going construction activities under the Lalur Model Project for Solid Waste Management (LAMPS) would block the entrance to the market.
Over one acre area in front of the Sakthan Thampuran fish market is one of the six Regional Waste Processing Centres under the LAMPS. Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithy leader M. Jayaprakash urged the authorities to solve the issue amicably through talks.
The Samithy alleged that the plant would adversely affect the functioning of the market.
Members of the Merchant Association and Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh also joined the protest. Senior Project Manager of the LAMPS A. K. Moideen said that the project had been carefully planned providing space for an alternative entrance to the market.
The treatment plant at the market would have facilities for segregation and filtration of waste.
It would comprise equipment for vermicomposting and aerobic composting and a biogas plant.
The work continued after the police removed the protesters. Meanwhile, former Mayor and Congress leader K. Radhakrishnan urged the authorities to constitute an expert panel to study the Lalur Model Project. He said the project should be implemented only after proper discussion at the public forum. He alleged that the LAMPS would create more ‘Lalurs’ in the city.
