KOCHI: Beware! Those who dump non-segregated waste after mixing it with biodegradable waste will now face the heat of law.
Annoyed by the increasing menace of households mixing plastic waste with food waste, the Kalamassery municipality has decided to initiate stringent action against residents who do not follow the waste management system.
The move comes one week after the Kochi Corporation decided not to collect non-segregated waste from city households. According to the Municipality, Section-334A and B of the Kerala Municipality Act could be invoked or prosecution proceedings initiated against those who flout the norms pertaining to disposal of waste through designated waste collectors.
“As per the Act, a fine of `250 could be imposed on households if they are found to have violated the rule. There is an option to remit the fine at the Municipality office. If they fail to pay the fine, they would be summoned by the court and legal action would be taken against them,” said sources in the municipality.
The municipality has issued a notice in order to create awareness among the public. The notice stipulates that residents and shop-owners should separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. “Before disposal, plastic waste has to be cleaned by washing it. Cooperation of all the residents is needed to ensure scientific and effective waste management,” stated the notice, which was issued jointly by the chairperson and the secretary of the municipality.
Squad in all divisions
Meanwhile, the local body has decided to form squads in all its divisions, headed by senior health officials and members of residents’ associations, to check violation of the rule.
“The squads will start functioning on Friday, and will inspect each and every house in the municipality. The mindless dumping of waste could be curbed only through such stringent measures, until the city gets a full-fledged facility to treat non-biodegradable waste,” added the sources.