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New Indian Express
03-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
KSHRC steps in over Vanchiyoor slaughterhouse, seeks strict environmental checks by PCB in Thiruvananthapuram
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With complaints rising against the setting up of a slaughterhouse at the Vanchiyoor market, owned by Karavaram panchayat, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) has directed the Kerala State Pollution Control Board to ensure that all environmental norms and guidelines are strictly followed before granting approval to the modern slaughterhouse under construction. KSHRC chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas issued the order while addressing a petition regarding the project. He emphasised that the Pollution Control Board's environmental engineer must inspect the site and consult with relevant stakeholders, including the complainant and Karavaram panchayat secretary, before issuing any clearance. The directive comes in response to a complaint -- filed by S Shaji, a resident of Alamcode, Vanchiyoor -- demanding a halt to the alleged illegal construction of the slaughterhouse. The facility is being developed by the district panchayat. Vanchiyoor ward member V Shibulal alleged that the infrastructure development for the slaughterhouse was launched without getting any clearance. 'They have already invested Rs 1 crore on infrastructure. The development was done on wetland, and it's a clear violation,' he said. According to the district panchayat's submission to the KSHRC, the building is located on land recorded in the data bank, affirming its designated use.
New Indian Express
30-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
SHRC orders probe into Pullampara quarry blasts, seeks vibration tests and SEIAA clearance check
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has ordered the district collector to initiate an immediate inquiry into complaints regarding safety concerns arising from a quarry near Pullampara. The commission has designated the deputy collector in charge of disaster management to lead the investigation. Chairperson Alexander Thomas has told the collector that the inquiry should address allegations that explosions from the quarry have caused cracks to appear in nearby homes. He instructed that the report be submitted within six weeks and that it include verification of whether the quarry holds valid clearance from the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) to operate. Additionally, the commission has asked the Pullampara grama panchayat secretary and the district environmental engineer to participate in the site examination. Authorities are also required to notify local residents, including the complainant, Dr S Anas, who raised concerns about the safety of families living nearby. The collector has told the commission that Dr Anas resides within 150 metres of the quarry and he has confirmed the presence of cracks in his home. The quarry owner has been directed to conduct blasting and vibration tests through a government-approved agency to determine if the damage is attributable to the quarry's operations. Residents of Pullampara have alleged that panchayat secretary P Sunilkumar renewed the quarry's permit for an additional year without the approval of the governing committee. Approximately 50 homes in the area are at risk due to their location on a vulnerable slope, with at least 15 already showing signs of cracking. Last year, a landslide from the quarry area destroyed two houses, though seven people, including four children, were rescued in time. Panchayat president P V Rajesh has claimed that Sunilkumar bypassed democratic processes in extending the permit and has indicated that legal action will follow. Under an interim order from the Kerala High Court, the quarry's permit is valid only until May 26, 2025. Local residents have accused the quarry management of using a 2018 Environmental Clearance with misleading information regarding the distance to residential areas to secure permit extensions.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Time of India
Human rights panel orders probe as company abandons road project after scraping tar
Thiruvananthapuram: The state human rights commission (SHRC) registered a case following allegations that a company contracted to renovate the Vellanad Kulakkode–Aruvikkara Road for Rs 8.80 crore abandoned the project after removing the existing tar. Justice Alexander Thomas, chairperson of the commission, issued a notice to public works department (PWD) based on the complaint. The roads division executive engineer was directed to submit a detailed report by May 30. The complaint, submitted by local resident J Shashi, stated that the company promised to complete the tarring within a month but abandoned the site four months ago. Those living along the road are reportedly suffering due to dust, respiratory issues, allergies and skin diseases, the complaint added. The road currently remains in a hazardous condition with the tar layer scraped off and a half foot-deep surface flattened using a mix of cement and chemicals, making it unfit for use. Locals have demanded that the road be tarred immediately to avoid further health risks and inconvenience.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
SHRC seeks report in botched surgery case
Thiruvananthapuram: The state human rights commission (SHRC) has directed the city police commissioner to submit a detailed report within one month on the case of Neethu M S, 31, who lost four fingers and five toes following complications from a cosmetic fat removal procedure. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Commission chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas also asked the police to verify whether the clinic at Thampuranmukku near Kulathoor, where the procedure was performed, had a valid licence under the Clinical Establishment Act. Ownership details of the clinic must also be submitted. Authorities were further directed to examine if the doctor who performed the surgery was qualified to carry out such procedures. The woman's medical records and personal statement are to be collected as part of the report. The medical report prepared by the district medical officer (DMO) should also be reviewed. If needed, a state medical board may be constituted to verify the findings. The director of health services has been instructed to provide medical guidance to the police, if required. Neethu underwent the abdominal fat removal procedure on Feb 22, 2025. She developed severe complications soon after and was shifted to a private hospital, where doctors had to amputate her fingers and toes.
New Indian Express
17-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Land disputes must be settled by civil courts: Panel
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Revenue officials have no authority to make final decisions in land ownership disputes, such matters should be decided by civil courts, said Alexander Thomas, chairperson of the Human Rights Commission (HRC). But, Revenue Department which accepts land tax, has the authority to determine whether a land is government-owned land or not, the order noted. Justice Alexander Thomas observed that accepting land tax is merely a mechanism for generating government revenue and does not establish ownership rights over land. There are several higher court rulings that support this position. The commission acted on a petition submitted by V Jayakumar, a resident of Vamanapuram. He had complained that since 2023, land tax was not being accepted for a 3 3/4 cent plot in his name. Though HRC issued an order for the acceptance of tax under the Kerala Land Tax Act, the Revenue Department did not comply. The Commission then summoned the Nedumangad Tahsildar for a direct hearing. The Tahsildar argued that the land in question included poramboke land and accepting tax would validate the claim over such government land.
