It created a health issue as the waste reached the Elappara river, a tributary of the Periyar, the main source of drinking water for the High Range. They were working here for three days after cleaning the Elappara river and Mathayikokka, the other areas where waste is dumped. They have collected waste in five districts over the past two years under a non-governmental organisation of ex-servicemen. Tonnes of waste collected are segregated and moved to treatment plants. Melvin, who had taken up the garbage menace with government departments, said it was an enormous task to clear the area.

Source: The Hindu February 20, 2020 17:15 UTC