Diwali Aftermath: Thoothukudi's Festive Chaos Brings a Thousand Tons of Trash

Thoothukudi is grappling with over a thousand tons of garbage following Diwali festivities. Sanitation workers face challenges as some are on leave, delaying cleanup in certain areas. The city, upgraded to a Municipal Corporation in 2008 and expanded into 60 wards, faces a significant waste management challenge.

The city of Thoothukudi is facing a significant cleanup challenge in the aftermath of Diwali celebrations, with officials estimating more than a thousand tons of garbage generated. All 60 wards of the Thoothukudi Corporation reported significant waste accumulation, exacerbated by the celebrations.

Sanitation workers have been mobilized for garbage removal efforts since early morning. The massive cleanup task is ongoing, although hampered by the fact that some workers are currently on holiday. A Corporation Officer acknowledged this issue, assuring that all sanitation staff would resume duties shortly to expedite the process.

Thoothukudi, which was elevated to a Municipal Corporation status on August 5, 2008, covers an area of 90,663 square kilometers. The city's population, as recorded in the 2001 census, was 320,466. Post its expansion in 2011, the city was divided into 60 wards across four mandals: East, West, North, and South.

(With inputs from agencies.)