Thoppumpady (Ernakulam): All food distribution establishments, including small hotels, have been given strict instructions to make their own arrangements for waste management. According to the instructions issued by the government, the local bodies have tightened this law. If the system is not established, a fine will be imposed on hotels.

At the same time, hotel owners came forward demanding that the new proposal will affect the very existence of hotels and that a public system must be instituted to manage waste. There are many people who run such businesses from rented buildings, single rooms and also run tea stalls and small outlets. 

Hoteliers point out that the small vendors do not have the financial capacity to set up such waste management systems. If this law is implemented, all establishments that provide food at affordable rates will be forced to close down. This might also pave way for large-scale food distribution companies to take over the market, hoteliers said. 

Allegations are rife that local-government bodies are attempting to evade their legal responsibility through such new laws while collecting a good amount as user fee and taxes from the businesses.

Representatives of the Kerala Hotel and Restaurant association said that they will cooperate with the public waste management system.