Strict action will be taken against those dumping garbage in public: Minister Rajesh

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the government tries to implement strict measures against irresponsible dumping of waste, Minister MB Rajesh announced that strict action will be taken across the state against those who illegally collect garbage and dump it in public places. He further added that a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister decided to nab such persons on war footing in Thiruvananthapuram.

"Establishments that generate large amounts of waste will be monitored separately. The measures will be taken by ensuring the cooperation of the police. In Thiruvananthapuram, special teams of the municipality and police will be patrolling, including at night. There will be no compromise in the cases of garbage problems and will not yield to any pressure," the minister said.

Last night, the women's health squad caught nine vehicles trying to dump garbage in the Amayizhanchan Canal in Thiruvananthapuram. Under the Kerala Municipality Act/Kerala Panchayati Raj Act, dumping waste in water bodies is a non-bailable offence punishable with imprisonment for a term not less than six months and not exceeding one year. Apart from this, action can also be taken according to the Water Conservation Act. The minister instructed the municipality to file a complaint with the police for these measures.

"It has also been noticed that many institutions have installed pipes to discharge the waste into the water bodies including the Amayizhanchan Canal. Similar action will be taken against them. In addition to this, nine people were arrested for dumping garbage in Amayizhanchan Canal and a fine of Rs 45,090 was imposed on them. The municipality has also identified those who hand over waste to illegal agencies. Strong legal action will be taken against them," the minister added.