Kerala govt to slap heavy fines for violating waste norms; LSG officals in risk for lapses

Thiruvananthapuram: In the wake of the Kerala High Court’s order to expedite waste disposal, the state government is planning to amend the law for strict implementation of the order. As per the new amendment, waste disposal will be the sole responsibility of local self government bodies. 

In case of lapses, action will be taken against the concerned officials, including withholding salaries. Further, if the garbage issues are not resolved in urban areas, then the salaries of corporation secretaries will be withheld. 

At present, those who throw waste in public places are slapped a fine of Rs 250. However, the amount will be hiked steadily, said Sarada Muraleedharan, LSG Additional Chief Secretary.  

Earlier, the government's target was to declare Kerala a completely garbage-free state by March 31, 2025. However, the high court intervened and directed to expedite the efforts. Following this, the government is planning to amend the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act as well. 

Functioning 

• One nodal officer in every department
• Secretariats staffed at state and district levels for coordination
• Digital surveillance via apps, QR codes 
• Technical help desks at local self government bodies 
• Two Haritha Karma Sena (HKS) members mandatory in every ward for waste collection 
• Haritha Karma Sena to be modernised and converted to ‘Suchitwa Thozhil Sena’ 
• HKS user fee and property tax 

“The arrears of HKS user fee can be levied along with building tax. Garbage must be collected from houses once every week. There is a shortage of 9000 members and it will be resolved soon. Additional income can be obtained by providing organic fertiliser made from organic waste to the farmers. Kerala will be declared garbage-free within the next nine months,” said MB Rajesh, Minister for Local Self Government. 

Students to create awareness 

Children will be made messengers to change the mindset of people about waste disposal. A 150-200 member Haritha Council shall be conducted on Children’s Day. The local bodies should present their reports before the council. The children will analyse the report and allocate the grades.