Kerala HC Orders Identification and Setup of Plastic Bottle Collection Booths to Tackle Waste Disposal and Management
The Kerala High Court directed the identification and set up of plastic bottle collection booths to address the issue of waste disposal and management in the State.
The Bench took suo motu cognizance of the waste management issue in the State and issued directives aimed at preventing the dumping of waste on public property, sensitising the public towards proper waste disposal, and addressing other related concerns.
A Division Bench of Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas and Justice Gopinath P. observed, “This Court also expressed its view regarding the failure to remove the silt and waste accumulated at the outlets of the canals that run through the length and breadth of Kochi city. It was felt that proper removal of waste accumulated at the outlets of the Canals, especially near Thevara and even on the sides of the backwaters near the Mattanchery Bridge, in Ernakulam could perhaps reduce flooding in the City.”
Sr. Advocate Ranjith Thampan and AG K. Gopalakrishna Kurup appeared for the respondents.
The Court has brought multiple parties into the fold, including the State of Kerala, Kerala State Pollution Control Board, the District Collector of Ernakulam, the Director General of Kerala Fire and Rescue Services, the State Police Chief, the Kerala State Electricity Board, the National Highway Authority of India, and Southern Railways.
During the hearing, the progress in the bio-mining of legacy waste was questioned. The Kochi Corporation narrated the progress achieved despite the onset of monsoon slowing down the pace, stating that approximately 4 lakh tonnes of legacy waste had been stabilised, with 2.72 lakh tonnes processed.
The State Government provided the details of cases registered in the State relating to the dumping of waste on public property. It was informed that around 36,000 Plastic Bottle Collection Booths were set up in various parts of the State, including the tourist destinations. The Court appreciated these efforts and stressed that the same should be carried forward to every part of the State.
The Court was also informed about the ongoing efforts to raise public awareness against waste dumping, starting from the school level. Addressing concerns about waste accumulation along the canals, the Court instructed the Kochi Corporation to file a report on the measures taken to clear silt and waste from the canals.
The Court issued several directives:
- Local Authorities must identify and establish Plastic Bottle Collection Booths wherever needed.
- The State must provide details on the removal and disposal process of plastic waste from these collection booths.
- Steps taken to educate school students on waste management should be documented.
- A report on current waste disposal facilities in the state's six Corporations and other districts is required.
- The Kochi Corporation must identify methods to remove silt from the Thevara-Perandoor Canal and other canals in Kochi, reporting on the progress and responsible personnel.
- Measures to prevent waste dumping into canals and backwaters by commercial and residential entities must be included in the report.
Accordingly, the High Court listed the matter for further hearing on June 14, 2024.
Cause Title: In Re: Suo Motu Writ Petition Initiated By The High Court
Appearance:
Respondents: Sr. Advocate Ranjith Thampan; AG K. Gopalakrishna Kurup