Kerala Strengthens Waste Management Rules with Higher Fines and Penalties

In a bid to reinforce waste management practices and support the “garbage-free Kerala” campaign, the state government has amended laws to impose stricter penalties for violations. Under the amended Kerala Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, and Kerala Municipality (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, individuals found guilty of violating waste management rules may face a maximum fine of Rs 50,000 and imprisonment for up to one year.

Minister for Local Self-Governments, M B Rajesh, highlighted that the amendments empower the secretary to take punitive measures, including fines and imprisonment, after providing notice and hearing the violators. If the fines are not paid, they will be added to public tax arrears. The amendments also increase the fine imposed by the secretary against dumping on public and private land to Rs 5,000.

The ordinances grant the secretary the authority to delegate responsibilities to local body officials for effective waste management measures. Rajesh emphasized that the amendments place more significant responsibilities on waste generators and aim to serve as a deterrent against potential environmental and public health damage. The fines collected will contribute to the Waste Management Fund, which local bodies can utilize for waste management activities and productivity enhancement.