Kerala High Court orders waste clearance and Brahmapuram plant inspection

The Kerala High Court has issued orders to address systemic waste management issues in Kochi, specifically targeting illegal dumping along National Highway 966. A Division Bench comprising Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas and Justice P Gopinath directed state authorities to instruct municipalities and panchayats to clear accumulated waste from both sides of the highway up to Kalamassery.

To verify the effectiveness of local waste treatment, the Court scheduled a physical inspection of the Brahmapuram waste management plant for September 11. Judges requested a report on the plant’s current functioning to compare against claims made by authorities.

The Court emphasized that once waste is dumped on public roads, the responsibility for its removal lies with the government or local authorities. To deter future illegal dumping, the Court urged officials to impose fines, confiscate vehicles used for illegal disposal, and implement strict conditions for the release of such vehicles. Additionally, the bench recommended awareness campaigns in schools to foster long-term changes in public mindset regarding waste disposal.