The Local self government department has issued guidelines for the implementation of works under the Malinya Muktham Navakeralam waste management campaign for the upcoming year, with an increased focus on punitive measures for waste dumping in public spaces. It also focusses on ensuring 100% doorstep collection of non biodegradable waste as well as 100% processing of biodegradable waste either at source or through community waste treatment facilities.
The next phase of the campaign is scheduled to run in two phases with the first phase concluding on October 2 this year and the next one on February 28, 2026. All local bodies have been asked to carry out cleaning drives on the third Saturday of every month. They also have to take the initiative to get the Railways authorities to remove the waste accumulated in the areas near rail tracks as well as in plots of land owned by the Railways. In case, the Railway authorities fail to take the necessary steps, the local body will have to remove the waste and collect the costs from Railways.
The local body-level vigilance squads as well as the district-level enforcement teams will step up enforcement activities. The directive also notes that there has been a tendency among the officials to impose the least fine amount in most cases. The government has now directed the officials to ensure that fine amount in proportion to the gravity of the offence as per the rules. Prosecution and revenue recovery have to be initiated in cases in which these are required.
Arrangements for waste management as well as waste bins have to be ensured while renewing the trade license of commercial establishments. Local bodies will have to address in a timebound manner the complaints received through the department’s single WhatsApp number.