Pulikkal: The protest demanding the removal of waste dumped in Aanthiyoorkunnu quarry and urgent action to prevent a potential epidemic has entered its fourth week. 

Locals point out that around 100 families remain worried over the accumulation of waste, which also includes hospital refuse, in the water-filled quarry. The demonstration is being staged from a pandal set up by the residents. It was on August 3 that truck loads of waste were dumped in the quarry.

The Kondotty police have registered a case on a complain by the Pulikkal panchayat secretary against the unauthorised dumping of waste in the quarry, thus posing public health concerns, threats of epidemics and leaving a bad odour. One of the four accused has been arrested.

The panchayat has also slapped a fine of ₹2 lakhs and issued an order to remove the waste. However, the waste has not been completely removed. People accuse that only a few loads of waste have been removed.

The area has a public well used by around 50 families and other wells in houses. Educational institutions are also functioning in the locality. The waste mount has now drawn stray dogs as well. The protesters complain that they are being denied justice even after three weeks and reaffirm that they are determined to continue the protest till there is a solution.