Thodupuzha: A court in Idukki district has fined a vehicle scrap dealer ₹6,000 for violating public health regulations by allowing stagnant water and waste to become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

The verdict, delivered by the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Thodupuzha, marks the first such ruling in the district under the Kerala Public Health Act. The case was filed based on a complaint from the Arakulam Community Health Centre.

According to the complaint, the owner of Automobiles Old Spare Parts in Kanjirappally had accumulated waste and left rainwater to stagnate on the premises, creating conditions conducive to mosquito breeding. Health officials also reported that the area had become a shelter for stray dogs and snakes.

Health Inspector Peter K Abraham had earlier issued a notice to the establishment’s owner for creating an unhygienic environment in an open space under the Motor Vehicles Improvement Project (MVIP), where he used to scrap vehicles. The inspection found mosquito larvae in discarded tyres and vehicle parts. The health department had instructed the owner to construct a shed to prevent further issues.

Although the owner requested two months to comply, no action was taken within the deadline. The department subsequently approached the court, citing violations of Sections 23(1), 45(2) and 54(1) of the Public Health Act.

The owner pleaded guilty in court, following which Judicial Magistrate PS Sumi imposed the ₹6,000 fine.

Officials said that this year alone, three notices have been issued under the Public Health Act, and all other recipients had resolved the issues after receiving warnings.