Ineffective waste disposal ; Up to 50,000 Rupees fine and one-year imprisonment

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The cabinet has approved a draft ordinance, which will impose fines of Rs 1,000 to Rs 50,000 and imprisonment of six months to one year on those who mishandle waste including dumping it on public roads and in water bodies.

Dumping waste in water bodies and releasing sewage is now a serious offense with no chance of bail. This law applies to both government and private institutions that don't have proper waste management systems. The leaders of these institutions will be held responsible.

Households and businesses will need to pay a fee for garbage collection. The cabinet has also approved penalties for those who fail to pay this fee. Enforcement will begin once the governor approves the ordinance.

A fine of Rs 5,000 will be imposed for dumping, burning or burying waste. The ordinance also allows for the acquisition of private land for sewage treatment projects.

No event or gathering of more than 100 people can be held without notifying local authorities at least three working days in advance and obtaining a license. Local authorities must ensure that waste is properly sorted and handed over to authorized agencies.

If the monthly user fee for waste collection is not paid, a 50 percent penalty will be charged after three months. Vacant houses will be exempt from this fee.

Officials are accountable

Local government secretaries and elected representatives will oversee waste disposal in each area.

The secretary or the responsible officer will face penalties if garbage accumulates in public places

Local governments will also face fines if they don't follow these instructions.

The secretary has the authority to impose fines ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 10,000 for common violations.

There is a reward for those who provide information about illegal waste disposal, but a fine of 10,000 rupees will be imposed if the information is false.