Kerala High Court’s Directive on Waste Clearance
In a significant directive, the Kerala High Court has mandated the removal of waste from designated dumping hotspots along the National Highway 966, extending to the Kalamassery municipality. This order, issued by a Division Bench comprising Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas and Justice P Gopinath, comes as part of the court’s suo motu case aimed at addressing the pressing waste management issues in Kochi.
Court’s Emphasis on Government Responsibility
The justices underscored the responsibility of the government and local authorities in maintaining cleanliness on public roads. Justice Thomas highlighted the ongoing issue of waste accumulation every two kilometers, emphasizing the expectation that local authorities must proactively address this issue without necessitating constant court intervention.
Inspection of Brahmapuram Waste Facility
The High Court has scheduled a physical inspection of the Brahmapuram waste treatment plant for September 11. This visit aims to assess the facility’s operational effectiveness and its role in the city’s waste management strategy.
Action Against Waste Dumping
In response to the persistent waste issues, the court instructed the Kochi Municipal Corporation to promptly clear waste from critical areas, including the Alexander Parambithara Road and Willingdon Island. Additionally, the corporation is tasked with ensuring waste clearance and maintenance of Panampilly Nagar’s streetscape.
Promoting Civic Responsibility
The Bench stressed the importance of changing public attitudes towards waste disposal. It suggested introducing civic awareness programs in schools and leveraging social media platforms like Instagram to discourage dumping and encourage responsible waste management practices.
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Railways and Waste Management
The Railways submitted an affidavit detailing its waste management efforts, entrusting ‘Tharu & Sons’ with garbage collection and disposal. However, Justice Gopinath expressed skepticism about the feasibility of the arrangement, which involves transporting waste to Bengaluru and Trichy for processing.
The court has requested more detailed records from the Railways regarding waste collection and processing, particularly concerning bio-waste and non-recyclable materials. The Kerala State Pollution Control Board has been directed to inspect Konaris’ facility in Aluva and report on its waste processing capabilities.
Further Directions and Next Steps
The High Court has instructed the State government to ensure that panchayats and municipalities along National Highway 966 clear the waste and maintain road cleanliness. Additionally, the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation is required to report on the condition of Amayizhanjan Thodu.
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The case is set for further consideration on September 25, where additional measures and reports will be reviewed. Legal representatives K Anand, TC Krishna, and T Naveen appeared for the Kochi Municipal Corporation, Indian Railways, and Kerala State Pollution Control Board, respectively.
