As part of the ongoing Garbage-Free Kerala campaign, the state has bolstered its waste management regulations, imposing a maximum fine of Rs 50,000 and imprisonment of up to one year for violations. The amendments, outlined in the Kerala Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, and Kerala Municipality (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, were promulgated last week. Minister for Local Self-Governments, M B Rajesh, announced the changes on Monday, emphasizing the increased responsibilities placed on waste generators to safeguard the environment and public health.

Under the amended ordinances, the fines for dumping waste on public and private land have surged to Rs 5,000, a significant escalation from the previous penalties. Minister Rajesh highlighted that if violators fail to pay the fines, the amounts will be added to public tax arrears, ensuring stringent consequences for non-compliance.

The Local Self-Government Department, in a released statement, disclosed that the secretary has been granted the authority to enforce punitive measures and impose fines after hearing violators. Violating waste management rules will now carry a maximum penalty of Rs 50,000, coupled with the potential for imprisonment for up to one year, reported Deccan Herald.

Empowering the secretary to assign duties to local body officials for effective waste management measures, the amendments reflect a concerted effort to address the growing environmental and public health concerns in the state. Minister Rajesh framed the legislative changes as a crucial step in advancing the Malinya Muktha Keralam campaign.

“The amendments have heightened responsibilities on waste generators, accompanied by increased fines for non-compliance. The substantial penalties are designed as a deterrent against potential environmental and public health risks, reinforcing the sustainable future of the state,” Rajesh explained in a release.

The ordinances also grant the government the authority to impose fines on local self-government bodies failing to adhere to instructions, further emphasizing the need for strict compliance.

According to the release, shop owners and occupiers are mandated to keep their premises clean, with local authorities authorized to confiscate vehicles used for improper disposal of garbage or excrement.

In a bid to streamline financial contributions and promote responsible waste management, fines, penalties, corporate social responsibility contributions, sponsorships, and other prescribed amounts will be deposited into the newly created Waste Management Fund. Local bodies can utilize these funds for waste management activities, enhancing productivity in this critical domain.

Kerala’s recent legislative amendments mark a significant stride in waste management enforcement, introducing hefty fines and imprisonment for violators. The state’s commitment to the Garbage-Free Kerala campaign is evident in these measures, aiming to create a cleaner and healthier environment while emphasizing the shared responsibility of waste generators. The amendments not only impose stricter penalties but also empower officials to enforce compliance, underscoring the government’s dedication to a sustainable and waste-free future.

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