Various programmes were organized at the Kunnamkulam Municipality in connection with the state-level inauguration of the Kerala Government’s anti-drug campaign, ‘Operation Thoofan 2.0.’ Along with the state-level inauguration held by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala at A.R. Nagar Grama Panchayat in Malappuram district, activities were also launched at Kunnamkulam Municipality.
At the Gandhi Square of Kunnamkulam Municipality, Municipal Chairperson Soumya Anilan hosted the flag and officially inaugurated the municipal-level ‘Thoofan’ activities. Municipal Vice Chairperson P.G. Jayaprakash presided over the function. Welfare Standing Committee Chairperson Mini Moncy distributed the ‘Thoofan Warrior’ badges, while Health Standing Committee Chairperson Misha Sebastian administered the anti-drug pledge.
This was followed by an awareness session for the public and municipal employees on preventing drug use and distribution. The session was led by ASI Madhu of the Kunnamkulam Police Station.
The programme emphasized the need to strengthen preventive measures against the drug menace and intensify awareness and monitoring activities within the municipal limits.
Education Standing Committee Chairperson Arsha Jiju, party leaders Shaji Aalikkal, Sreejith Aven, and Soman Cherukunnu, various municipal councillors, NSS students, Haritha Karma Sena members, municipal officials, and members of the public participated in the programme. Municipal Secretary K.K. Manoj delivered the vote of thanks.

38 ടൺ RDF ഡാൽമിയ സിമന്റ് ഫാക്ടറിയിലേക്ക്..

26,065 ടൺ ലെഗസി മാലിന്യ നിർമാർജനത്തിന് വേഗം കൂട്ടുന്നു….

38 Tonnes of RDF Sent to Dalmia Cement Factory

Pace accelerated to clear 26,065 tonnes of legacy waste...

A major milestone has been achieved in the biomining project aimed at finding a scientific solution to the legacy waste that has accumulated over the years at Kurukkanpara in Kunnamkulam Municipality. A consignment of 38 tonnes of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), separated through biomining, was flagged off to the Dalmia Cement factory in Dalmiapuram by the Kunnamkulam Municipal Chairperson.
The biomining process at the Kurukkanpara dumpsite is being carried out under the leadership of Kunnamkulam Municipality as part of the Kerala Solid Waste Management Project (KSWMP). The project scientifically removes 26,065 tonnes of legacy waste that accumulated here over decades. The waste heap, measuring roughly 32,582 cubic meters, spanned an area of 1.80 acres.
Through biomining efforts so far, approximately 4,430 tonnes of waste have been processed and segregated into RDF, Bio-earth, and Inert categories. Out of the segregated RDF, a total of 64 tonnes has already been removed from the site, which includes the 38 tonnes dispatched to Dalmia Cement Factory today. The remaining RDF will be shifted to the cement factory in phases to be used as alternative fuel for cement manufacturing. The RDF primarily consists of plastic-based waste recovered through segregation.
Kurukkanpara served as an active dumping ground from 1946 to 2016. Waste that lay buried underground and piled up for decades is now being excavated and scientifically processed.
The waste heap had long been a source of anxiety for local residents due to foul odors, rainwater runoff, leachate generation, risk of groundwater pollution affecting nearby wells and water sources, mosquito and fly infestations, environmental hazards from plastic waste, and fire hazards. As the waste remained underground for years, drinking water security for families relying on local groundwater sources became a primary concern, while the stench and environmental issues disrupted daily life.
The municipality is executing this biomining project to find a permanent remedy to these longstanding problems and eradicate the dump site completely. Biomining extends beyond merely clearing the heap; its core objective is to segregate waste into distinct categories and ensure scientific post-processing and recovery for each.
Excavated waste is dried for 5 to 7 days before being segregated using trommel screens, primarily yielding RDF, Bio-earth, and Inert material. Converting plastic-based fractions into RDF for industrial cement production provides a productive end-use for waste that sat stagnant for decades.
The resulting Bio-earth and Inert materials will undergo rigorous testing based on CPHEEO guidelines to ensure they are safe for reuse. Soil samples from the bottom of excavated pits will also be tested to verify the absence of contamination. Once confirmed safe, the tested soil alongside Inert and Bio-earth fractions will be utilized for backfilling. Upon completion of biomining, the cleared land will be reclaimed and restored for municipal developmental purposes.
The successful completion of the Kurukkanpara biomining project will resolve the longstanding legacy waste crisis, pave the way for resource recovery, and restore valuable land. Transforming waste into RDF and utilizing it as fuel for cement production marks a sustainable new lifecycle for the waste at Kurukkanpara.
Municipal Vice Chairperson P.G. Jayaprakash, Standing Committee Chairpersons Pushpa John, Misha Sebastian, and Arsha Jiju, Senior Public Health Inspector Sunil, Raji, and SWM Engineer Muhseena attended the event.

Workshop on Solid Waste Management Rules Conducted as Part of World Environment Day Observance

As part of the World Environment Day celebrations, Kunnamkulam Municipality organized a workshop on Solid Waste Management Rules under the "Nalla Naalu Varthamanam" campaign. The workshop was held at Kunnamkulam Town Hall and was inaugurated by Municipal Chairperson Soumya Anilan. Vice Chairperson P. G. Jayaprakash presided over the function.

The workshop emphasized the need to move away from the practice of indiscriminately discarding waste and instead prioritize the recovery, recycling, and reuse of valuable resources from waste. District Suchitwa Mission Programme Coordinator Rajaneesh Rajan presented the project overview and explained its objectives.

New Changes in Waste Management

The workshop explained the changes introduced under the new regulations, moving beyond earlier waste management practices such as the Thumboormuzhi Model. Previously, waste was segregated into two categories: biodegradable and non-biodegradable. However, according to the 2026 Solid Waste Management Rules, waste must now be collected in four separate categories using designated bins.

Four Categories of Waste Segregation

1. Biodegradable Waste
2. Non-Biodegradable Waste
3. Sanitary Waste
4. Special Waste

Detailed sessions were conducted on the segregation of waste into these four categories and on their scientific processing and disposal methods.

The workshop was attended by Standing Committee Chairpersons Pushpa John, Somashekharan, Misha Sebastian, and Arsha Jiju, Municipal Councillors, Municipal Secretary Manoj K. K., JHI Praveen, Kudumbashree members, Haritha Karma Sena members, and sanitation workers of the municipality.

The gathering called for the active participation of all stakeholders in making the city cleaner, greener, and more environmentally sustainable.

Kunnamkulam Municipality is aiming for the top position among the cleanest cities in the country.

As part of the Swachh Survekshan 2025–2026 campaign, Kunnamkulam Municipality organized cleanliness awareness programmes at various locations across the town. The awareness drive mainly focused on shop owners and commercial establishments in the municipality.

Around forty students from Vyasa College, Wadakkanchery, took part in the campaign under the leadership of the municipality. The students highlighted the importance of segregating waste at the source itself and advised shopkeepers to implement a twin-bin system for separately collecting biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. They also urged strict compliance with the municipality’s waste management regulations.

Information regarding the scientific waste management initiatives implemented by the municipality and the role of traders in supporting these efforts was distributed during the programme. Students directly visited shops along major roads in the town, including Pattambi Road, Thrissur Road, Wadakkanchery Road, and Guruvayur Road, spreading messages on cleanliness and proper waste management practices.

According to last year’s survey, Kunnamkulam Municipality secured the 193rd position among 4,852 cities in the country. This year, the municipality is making determined efforts to bring the town to the number one position. The energy and participation of the younger generation are proving to be a major strength in this mission.

As part of the ‘Swachh Survekshan 2025-26’ cleanliness campaign, Kunnamkulam town is witnessing a remarkable transformation. Malaya Junction, once known for its foul smell and unhygienic surroundings, has now become a visually refreshing public space. Kunnamkulam Municipality is setting an inspiring example of how a town’s image can be transformed through collective effort and vision.

As part of the sanitation drive, the area was thoroughly cleaned, and the municipality also introduced innovative awareness campaigns through creative “meme” posters, which attracted wide public attention. Continuing these efforts, the junction was completely renovated with the support and sponsorship of Malaya Jewellery. Around ₹2 lakh was spent to create this beautiful “Green Zone” in front of Malaya Junction. With this initiative, a long-standing issue faced by the municipality has found a permanent solution, while the town has gained a new landmark.

The garden stands out because of its rare ornamental plants imported from countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The star attraction among them is the Adenium Obesum, popularly known as the “Desert Rose.” With their bonsai-style trunks and vibrant blossoms, these plants capture the attention of both pedestrians and motorists alike.

These plants are maintained using a special cultivation method. Instead of ordinary soil, they are grown in a mixture of coco peat and organic nutrients. Requiring only minimal water, the plants are carefully maintained by the municipality. Even in extreme heat, these plants continue to thrive beautifully. Authorities believe that the participation of private institutions like Malaya Jewellery in municipal cleanliness initiatives can pave the way for even greater transformations in the future.