Make waste management regulations effective

Waking up to a peaceful morning amid the greens with fresh air blowing in your face would be an idyllic start to the day. Almost everyone craves such a life. In contemporary times, such a dream remains far-fetched. The majority of people are forced to keep aside their imaginary lives and rather survive amidst piles of garbage and waste.

Out of atmospheric pollution, air pollution and water pollution, solid waste poses a major challenge. The shortcomings in solid waste management increase its severity. It is a relief that a change is coming from April 1.

As part of the implementation of the new rules of the Centre, the waste management rules will also change in Kerala from April 1. Waste, which was previously divided into three categories, will now be divided into four. Owners of large buildings will also come under the category of large waste generators. The new rules ensure legal responsibility for waste management for public representatives. There will be a unified portal in the country to monitor waste removal and treatment. There will also be coordination committees at the three levels of the Chief Secretary, District Collector, and Local Government.

The Supreme Court itself has directed that the rules be strictly implemented in all states and Union Territories. A user fee must be paid compulsorily. Penalties will be imposed if the rules are not followed. When organising events with more than 100 participants, the local government body must be informed at least three working days in advance. Waste must be segregated and handed over. Waste has been divided into four categories: organic, inorganic, sanitary, and new types. The fourth category requires special attention. This includes various types of harmful items, including batteries, bulbs, syringes, needles, diabetes test strips, paint cans, and expired medicines.

Large waste generators are also mentioned in the new rules. Buildings with a floor area of ​​20,000 square meters or more fall under the large waste generator category. Those who use 40,000 litres of water or more per day also fall under this category. Until now, large waste generators were those that generated more than 100 kg of waste per day. These categories must dispose of the waste themselves. Or they must hand it over to agencies entrusted by local bodies. Fines will be imposed for operating without registration in waste management and submitting false reports.

The supervision of waste management lies with the district collectors. There is also a provision that photos/videos of waste disposal activities of local bodies be filmed for evidence.

Rules and fines have even existed before, but they didn’t help remove the garbage heaps or mounds seen across the city. People in society take extra care cleaning their bodies, but don’t give a hoot about their living environment. The lack of civic sense has plagued generations, and coming out in one go is nearly impossible. If the local bodies and the concerned officials are mindful, the people will be ready to cooperate with waste management. Let’s hope that the new rules set a good precedent.