Kerala launches reward project for reporting illegal garbage-dumping
Trivandrum / June 10, 2023
Thiruvananthapuram, June 10: The ‘Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam’ campaign to make the state garbage-free next year made a fresh stride with the government launching a project that will reward citizens who report illegal dumping of waste.
The person who informs authorities of such violations will be given Rs 2,500 (maximum) or 25 percent of the fine imposed on those resorting to illegitimate disposal of garbage. The report must be backed with evidences, including credible photograph or video clip, along with details such as the place and time of the wrong-doing.
Additional Chief Secretary, Local Self Government Department, Smt Sarada Muraleedharan, issued an order (GO) in this regard, suggesting citizens to report littering/dumping of both solid and liquid waste in public spaces, private property and water bodies. Presenting details with substantive proof to the respective Local Self Government Institutions (LSGIs) will make them eligible for a reward.
The GO states that LSGIs must notify citizens with a WhatsApp number and E-mail address to report violations regarding illegal waste dumping. Authorities will not publicize the informer’s name or details.
All LSGIs must conduct widespread awareness campaigns against littering of waste and garbage-dumping, besides on the citizens’ responsibility of reporting violations and obtaining reward for it, states the GO.
Earlier, the State Police Chief had issued an order regarding the garbage-free campaign, stating that an officer of the department can be made part of the LSGI enforcement squads on the basis of suggestions by the Local Self Government Department (LSGD).
The enforcement teams can seize and confiscate vehicles that illegally carry garbage. If needed, the carriers can be arrested and legal steps be taken against the violators. Such measures will strengthen the waste-free state campaign by the LSGIs, the order says.
The first phase of the garbage-free campaign concluded last week. Conceived as an 85-day drive, it began on March 13 and ended on June 5 - the World Environment Day.
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 June 5, with the participation of LSGIs.
The action plan, planned to be implemented in three phases, aims at making the state’s LSGIs garbage-free by 2024. The second phase will conclude on this October 31.
