Kerala govt's novel initiative: Five per cent building tax rebate for waste disposal at home

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Apart from imposing heavy fines to prevent the dumping of waste in public places, the government has taken yet another decisive step in waste management. A five per cent discount on building tax will be given if waste is treated at home. An order in this regard will be issued soon.

Minister M.B. Rajesh said that the respective local bodies will ensure this scheme and provide tax relief. Those who effectively implement systems such as kitchen bins suitable even for small houses and biogas plants in houses are eligible for the relief. The Harithakarma Sena will monitor whether these are working efficiently.

A survey conducted by Suchithwa Mission in 94.58 lakh households found that only 25.12 lakh households were treating waste at source.

Do not use kitchen bins as plant pots

Local bodies were earlier instructed to take action against people buying kitchen bins and using them for planting saplings and other purposes. The reason for not using kitchen bins is cited as the lack of inoculum (a mixture that composts waste). The only solution is to provide inoculum through Haritha Karma Sena.