Kerala Implements Stringent Waste Management Rules, Violation Carries 1-Yr Prison Term

Minister for Local Self-Governments M B Rajesh highlighted that the ordinances grant the government the authority to levy fines on local self-government bodies for non-compliance with instructions.

The amended laws aim to enhance waste generator responsibilities and impose heavier penalties as part of the 'Malinya Muktha Keralam' campaign.

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As part of the ongoing garbage-free Kerala campaign, the violation of waste management rules is set to attract a maximum fee of Rs 50,000 and imprisonment of up to one year under the amended laws. Local Self-Governments Minister M B Rajesh on Monday said, if the violators fail to pay the fine it will be added to public tax arrears according to the Kerala Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 and Kerala Municipality (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 promulgated last week.

In a release, the Minister said, "The fine imposed by the secretary against dumping in public and private land has been increased to Rs 5,000."  The Local Self Government Department has granted the secretary authority to enforce punitive measures, including fines up to Rs 50,000 and one-year imprisonment for violating waste management rules. 

The secretary is also empowered to assign duties to officials of the local bodies to take necessary measures for waste management, the release said, as per a report on PTI.

The amended laws aim to enhance waste generator responsibilities and impose heavier penalties as part of the 'Malinya Muktha Keralam' campaign. The secretary can also delegate waste management duties to local body officials, emphasizing the need for stringent penalties to deter environmental and public health risks and ensure the state's sustainable future.

The minister highlighted that the ordinances grant the government the authority to levy fines on local self-government bodies for non-compliance with instructions. The responsibility to maintain cleanliness on shop premises lies with owners and occupiers, with local authorities having the power to seize vehicles involved in improper garbage or excrement disposal.

Fines or penalties, corporate social responsibility contributions or sponsorships and others prescribed by the government should be deposited into the Waste Management Fund to be created.