State ramps up action against garbage dumping; police to help local bodies
Trivandrum / June 9, 2023
Thiruvananthapuram, June 09: Signaling stringent action against illegal dumping and handling of garbage across Kerala, the ‘Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam’ campaign has been ramped up enabling the enforcement teams set up by the Local Self Government Institutions (LSGIs) to call police for clamping down on rule-violators.
The State Police Chief has issued an order in this regard stating that a police officer can be made part of the enforcement squads of LSGIs, based on the suggestion by the Local Self Government Department (LSGD).
The order suggests that the enforcement teams can seize and confiscate vehicles carrying garbage illegally. If needed, the carriers can be arrested and legal steps could be taken against the rule-violators. The order adds that such measures will strengthen the waste-free state campaign by the LSGIs.
As per the order, strict legal action will also be taken against production, distribution and use of banned materials, burning and littering of waste. Dumping of toilet waste in water bodies will attract severe punishment. Awareness campaigns will be conducted regarding the hazards caused by careless handling of waste.
The enforcement squads of LSGIs will conduct lightning inspections in abattoirs and eateries at regular intervals to ensure that they function in a hygienic milieu.
The first phase of the garbage-free campaign was held from March 13, 2023 to June 5, 2023. The enforcement squad detected a total of 3,444 violations in all districts in April and May and issued notices in 2,915 cases. A fine of Rs 1,09,78,150 had been imposed and Rs 8,53,258 had already been collected. Around 1,50,000 kg banned plastic products were also seized.
Marking the successful completion of the goals set for the first phase of the Immediate Action Plan launched to keep Kerala clean and litter-free, the LSGD conducted Haritha Sabhas (green assemblies) across the state on World Environment Day on June 5, with the active participation of LSGIs.
The action plan, planned to be implemented in three-phases, was aimed at making all the LSGIs in the state garbage-free by 2024.The second phase of the campaign will conclude on October 31,2023.
