Waste management challenges: State introduces transportation policy

Thiruvananthapuram: In a move to address the persistent challenges in managing waste effectively, the State Government has released a transportation policy which aims at streamlining waste management practices and enhancing efficiency. 

The government has also highlighted the shortcomings of local bodies in Kerala's waste management efforts. This comes amidst criticisms of irregularities and disorder in the disposal of non-organic waste collected from individual homes by the Haritha Karma Sena.  

The Sena has been criticized for storing non-organic waste on public roads, bus waiting areas, and private lands. Recyclables do not receive their true value due to improper sorting practices. Accumulation of waste in storage facilities often goes undetected and is not instantly removed. At present, Material Collection Facilities are only emptied when they reach full capacity, contrary to the calender outlined by the Suchitwa Mission.

The Local Self Government Department evaluated that lack of scientific transportation, planning and monitoring is the root cause of the issue. To address this, the government emphasized the role of nodal officers and charge officers in ensuring compliance with waste disposal guidelines.

The transportation plan prioritises the prevention of garbage dumping in public areas, and advocates for regular removal of waste at specified intervals. Additionally, the deployment of the Haritha Karma Sena members will be doubled in localities where doorstep waste collection is ineffective.

Furthermore, it was directed that waste should only be stored in mini Material Collection Facilities, discouraging the use of temporary centers. Particular zones will be determined to optimize waste collection routes, with charge officers mandated to remove waste once the storage reaches 70 percent capacity. Parallel to doorstep collection, sorting and waste removal will be conducted in the collection facilities. The Local Self Government Department has also proposed utilising vacant buildings of local bodies as storage centers.