Violators of WM norms could face one-year imprisonment in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Kerala: Violators of the Kerala Waste Management (WM) rules could now face a penalty of ₹50,000 and a prison sentence of up to one year. To that effect, Kerala Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 and Kerala Municipality (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, has been promulgated, informed MB Rajesh, Minister for Local Self-Governments. If violators fail to pay the fine, it will be added to public tax arrears.

Minister said, “The fine imposed by the secretary against the dumping in the public and private land has been increase to ₹5,000”. Minister Rajesh added, “Violating waste management rules will attract a maximum fine of ₹50,000 and imprisonment of up to one year under the laws amended”.  The ordinance entails that civic bodies could also be penalised if they fail to comply with the given instructions.

In its press release, the Department of Local Self Government said that the secretary has the power to enforce punitive actions and can also impose a fine following the hearing of the violators after serving notice. The secretary has also been empowered to assign duties to local body officials to take necessary measures for waste management.  

Similarly, it will be the duty of the owners and occupiers of shops to keep their premises clean. Apart from that, civic authorities could also seize the vehicles used for improper waste disposal or excrement.