Demanding action against Kinathukadavu Panchayat Union officials for not cleaning a pond filled with waste, despite orders from both the High Court and the District Collectorate, residents of the area have petitioned the District Collector Archana Patnaik to take stern action against the officials, here on Monday.

According to P.M. Selvakumarasamy, one of the residents of the area Velankuttai, a small pond at Sinkarampalayam in Kinathukidavu Panchayat Union was reportedly dumped with wastes, and officials had turned a blind eye.

“The issue was taken to the court, and the High Court on 23.07.2015 had ordered the District Administration to sort out the issue immediately. Accordingly, the District Collector directed the respective officials on 06.11.2015 to remove the wastes from the pond immediately,” he said.

However, he alleged that the Panchayat Union officials had failed to clean. He further added that people had been repeatedly requesting the officials to sort out the issue. However, their pleas had not been heard.

“The pond is one of the major water sources for the people of the area and it would help in increasing the ground water recharge in the area. Hence we request the District Administration to take stern action against Panchayat Union officials and also ensure that the pond is cleaned,” he said.