₹43.48-lakh fine imposed in Alappuzha as part of waste-free Kerala campaign

As part of the Malinya Muktham Navakeralam campaign, enforcement squads under the Local Self-Government department (LSGD) have imposed fines totalling ₹43.48 lakh in Alappuzha district for violations of waste management rules over the past 11 months.

Officials said here on Wednesday that 2,062 inspections were conducted across the district from April 2024 to date. Of the total fines imposed, ₹19.37 lakh has been collected so far.

LSGD Alappuzha district joint director S. Sreekumar said the inspections would be intensified in the coming days. “To achieve the goal of waste-free Kerala by March-end, enforcement squads have been deployed across the district. They operate at the levels of local self-government institutions, the district and internal vigilance officers. The squads are conducting inspections in government institutions, industrial and commercial establishments, hospitals and other locations,” said Mr. Sreekumar.

Officials said that burning waste materials, including dry leaves, failing to keep establishments and surroundings clean, selling or possessing banned plastic products and disposing of waste in waterbodies would result in fines if detected.

At Chengannur

On Tuesday, enforcement squads conducted inspections in the Chengannur municipality limits and Pattanakkad block. The squad slapped a fine of ₹5,000 on the Bevco outlet at Chengannur for careless handling of plastic waste. Of the total 17 establishments inspected, five were issued notices for violations such as improper wastewater discharge and failure to maintain cleanliness.

On Wednesday, inspections were conducted in 29 institutions in Alappuzha municipality, Champakulam block and Thakazhi grama panchayat. Squads imposed a fine of ₹5,000 each on St. Thomas Orthodox Church and M.M. Diagnostic Lab for burning waste and careless handling of plastic waste. Notices have been served on another nine institutions.

The public is encouraged to report waste disposal sites or waste management violations via WhatsApp at 9446700800. Officials added that those who report violations with photographic evidence would receive rewards.