Good ranking in waste management not an easy task for local self-governments

Thiruvananthapuram: Achieving the highest grades in waste management for local self-government bodies in Kerala is a meticulous process that scrutinises even the minutest operational details. The assessment criteria encompass actions taken against prohibited plastic products and initiatives by the Haritha Karma Sena.

The local self-government department has recently put forth a slate of fresh initiatives aligned with the objective of a waste-free Kerala. These undertakings will also contribute to the grading evaluation.

The evaluation process encompasses various facets, such as the number of complaints received about waste management issues and the actions taken within 24 hours, the resolution rate of complaints brought up by the Haritha Karma Sena, records of fines imposed for negligent waste management, the efficacy of doorstep collection by the Haritha Karma Sena, among other factors. The final grading falls under categories of best, excellent, average, and below average.

The quantification of daily organic and inorganic waste generated in households, institutions, markets, hotels, meat processing units, butcher shops, streets, and parks will be assessed. Furthermore, the calculation of doorstep collection from homes and institutions will also hold significance.

Current grading criteria include maintaining proper registers at waste collection centres, submitting collected solid waste receipts to the Clean Kerala Company and other relevant bodies, confirming whether local bodies have provided adequate facilities for sorting and storing all waste collected within a month, and assessing the health and safety conditions of the Haritha Karma Sena working at mini collection facilities.

Domestic initiatives

The evaluation process will also ascertain the presence of source waste treatment in homes and institutions. Distinct marks will be awarded based on the presence of compost pits, biobins, biogas setups, and community composting efforts.

To ensure the continuity and effectiveness of these initiatives, they must be reviewed monthly.