Kozhikode: Owing to rewards announced for individuals helping to catch those dumping waste illegally, the Suchitwa Mission received 5,495 complaints from various parts of the state. Of these, 3,393 were accepted. A total fine of ₹22,55,830 was imposed, and 24 people were found eligible to receive rewards amounting to ₹29,750. Legal action is in progress in 17 cases.

The WhatsApp complaint system, launched in September, allows people to report waste dumping, the burning of garbage, and the release of dirty water into water bodies. Complaints are sent to local bodies, which verify them and take action.

So far, 61.75% of complaints have been accepted. Thiruvananthapuram recorded the highest number of complaints (599), with 86.14% resolved. Wayanad had the lowest (39), with only 10% still to be resolved. In Kannur, 98% of complaints were resolved.

Officials said action is taken only in complaints with sufficient details to identify offenders. Complainants receive 25% of the collected fine as a reward, with a maximum of ₹2,500 per case.

Complaints, fines, and rewards (as of March 25)

  • Total complaints received: 5,495
  • Complaints found valid: 3,393
  • Complaints resolved: 2,795
  • Complaints pending resolution: 598
  • Complaints in which fines were imposed: 263
  • Fine imposed: ₹20,64,290(excluding cases without rewards)
  • Fine collected: ₹9,35,800
  • Cases with rewards announced: 24
  • Fine amount in cases with cash awards: ₹1,91,540
  • Total reward amount declared: ₹29,750
  • Total reward amount paid: ₹19,250

WhatsApp number for submitting complaints: 9446700800