Strict action needed against those dumping waste in public spaces: Kerala HC

Kochi: The Kerala High Court strongly criticized the government bodies on Wednesday over the issue of garbage disposal in public places, particularly highlighting the dumping of wastes in canals in the state. 

The bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran, while addressing cases related to Kochi's garbage problems, expressed severe disapproval of the way the waste disposal is handed by the concerned authorities. 

The court questioned why the Kochi Corporation has been unable to prevent garbage from re-entering cleaned canals, emphasizing the failure of administrative systems. It sought information from the Kochi Corporation on the number of cases filed against those responsible for dumping garbage into the canals, citing the recent death of Joy in Thiruvananthapuram as a poignant reminder.

"After the canals are cleaned, there is only a brief window before they are filled with garbage again. There is a shortcoming on the part of the Local self-government bodies in this regard. Dumping garbage in public has unfortunately become a hobby for some, and such individuals should face strict consequences, including prosecution," the court asserted.

The court further highlighted the potential threat to life posed by garbage dumping in canals, citing visible heaps of trash under the Mazhavil Bridge on Kochi's Marine Drive.