THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a significant recognition for Kerala’s decentralised waste management model, Varkala municipality has made it to the list of 20 urban settlements worldwide to be featured as a ‘Zero Waste City’ by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as part of the International Day of Zero Waste observation on March 30.
It is learnt that Varkala is one of only two cities from Asia to make it to the prestigious global list.
The recognition, which is expected to further boost Varkala’s tourism potential, would be officially announced soon. Local Self-Government Minister M B Rajesh said the recognition highlights growing global attention towards Kerala’s decentralised waste management model.
“It’s a huge recognition for Kerala’s decentralised waste management initiative. Our best practices were also highlighted at the COP30 summit in Brazil, where global models were discussed. Our approach focuses on scientific methods — recycling what can be recycled and incinerating only what cannot,” he said.
He said the recognition reflects the state’s broader, comprehensive efforts in sustainable waste management.
Rajesh also noted that Varkala is among the best-performing municipalities in the state and credited the role of Haritha Karma Sena, calling it a key component of the model and a major climate-action initiative. LSGD special secretary T V Anupama said Varkala has consistently ranked among the top-performing municipalities with a comprehensive waste management system.
Recognition acknowledges local body’s sustained efforts: Official
“The municipality secured a star rating in the Swachh Survekshan survey. It is among the few local bodies with a sanitary waste disposal system, and a faecal sludge treatment plant is currently under construction,” she said. According to official communication jointly issued by UN-Habitat and UNEP, Varkala’s submission stood out for its “strong commitment to zero waste” and its contribution to advancing “inclusive, sustainable and innovative waste management solutions.”
Varkala’s case study will be officially published on March 30. Municipal secretary G Mithran said the recognition acknowledges the local body’s sustained efforts. “Our sanitary waste treatment facility helped us stand out. The state government is now promoting the ‘Varkala model’ for replication across Kerala. We are working to further improve facilities ahead of the final assessment by a UN team before March 30,” he said.
The civic body’s experience will be showcased at events in Nairobi and New York, and featured on the UN secretary-general’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste’s dedicated web page. The UN has also indicated that the Varkala model will be promoted through high-level global engagements.