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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA: The ‘Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam’ (Clean Kerala) campaign to make the state garbage-free next year made a fresh stride with the government launching a project that will reward citizens who report illegal dumping of waste.
The person who informs authorities of such violations will be given ₹2,500 (maximum) or 25 per cent of the fine imposed on those resorting to illegitimate disposal of garbage. The report must be backed with evidence, including credible photographs or video clips, along with details such as the place and time of the wrongdoing.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Local Self Government Department, Sarada Muraleedharan, issued an order (GO) in this regard, suggesting citizens report littering/dumping of both solid and liquid waste in public spaces, private property and water bodies. Presenting details with substantive proof to the respective local self-government institutions (LSGIs) will make them eligible for a reward.
The GO states that LSGIs must notify citizens with a WhatsApp number and email address to report violations regarding illegal waste dumping. Authorities will not publicise the informer’s name or details.
All LSGIs must conduct widespread awareness campaigns against littering and garbage dumping, besides the citizens’ responsibility of reporting violations and obtaining rewards for them, states the GO.
Earlier, the State Police Chief had issued an order regarding the garbage-free campaign, stating that an officer of the department can be made part of the LSGI enforcement squads on the basis of suggestions by the Local Self Government Department (LSGD).
The enforcement teams can seize and confiscate vehicles that illegally carry garbage. If needed, the carriers can be arrested, and legal steps can be taken against the violators. Such measures will strengthen the waste-free state campaign by the LSGIs, the order says.
The first phase of the garbage-free campaign concluded last week. Conceived as an 85-day drive, it began on March 13 and ended on June 5 – World Environment Day.
Marking the successful completion of the goals set for the first phase of the Immediate Action Plan launched to keep Kerala clean and litter-free, the LSGD conducted Haritha Sabhas (green assemblies) across the state on June 5, with the participation of LSGIs.
The action plan, planned to be implemented in three phases, aims to make the state’s LSGIs garbage-free by 2024. The second phase will conclude on October 31.
The state government had on May 4th launched a campaign called ‘Garbage-free’ Kerala with the aim of making the state free from garbage disposed of without processing, by 2024. As a first step, all local bodies will be free from garbage being dumped in open places starting June 5th.
