Kerala launches five-year campaign to achieve zero-waste status

The Kerala government has launched ‘Nirmalam – A New Era of Clean Keralam’, a five-year mission aimed at transforming the state into a zero-waste region by March 30, 2031. The campaign, coordinated by the Suchitwa Mission under the Local Self-Government Department, focuses on scientific waste management, resource recovery, and protecting water sources.

Chief Minister V D Satheesan stated that the state aims to establish model waste-management plants, including waste-to-power facilities, within the next two to three years. The initiative seeks to address increasing volumes of e-waste and chemical waste through public awareness and scientific disposal methods. The state currently generates approximately 10,183 tonnes of solid waste daily.

In addition to waste reduction, the campaign will introduce the Safe Reuse of Treated Wastewater Policy 2026 and digital monitoring of waste processes. Officials noted that the initiative is intended to create new business, industrial, and employment opportunities within the waste management sector while fostering a culture of cleanliness among citizens.