Kerala to pass stricter law for waste management

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Kerala: MB Rajesh, minister for Local Self-Governments and Excise, Government of Kerala, said that the state government will pass legislation next month for stricter implementation of waste management measures.

Stating that the government was making concerted efforts for a garbage-free Kerala, he called for efforts to speed up the completion of the Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam drive by March 2024.

After inaugurating a zonal workshop for urban local bodies, organised by the Kerala Solid Waste Management Project (KSWMP), Rajesh said, “Authorities should go much beyond merely buying kitchen bins and supplying them to households. We have the latest technologies available to collect and dispose (of) solid waste. Urban local bodies must make the best use of them through exemplary leadership interventions.”

Addressing 300-odd delegates from civic bodies across the northern districts of Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad, and Kasaragod, the minister emphasised on the need to complete the first round of the drive by July 2023.

Pointing out that KSWMP typically provides financial and human resource support for developing ULB-level solid waste management plants and comprehensive sustainable management solutions for bio and non-biodegradable wastes, the Minister said the facilities should be envisaged as eco-parks that also function like community centers that are friendly towards children and women.