The Kerala High Court has directed the State government and local authorities to clear accumulated waste from roads and public spaces in Kochi, while deciding to conduct a physical inspection of the Brahmapuram waste treatment facility.
A Division Bench of Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas and Justice P. Gopinath passed the directions in the suo motu proceedings concerning waste management in Kochi. The Court also stressed that civic authorities cannot remain passive when waste continues to accumulate on public roads.
Background Of The Case
The Bench took note of waste being dumped at several locations, including along the National Highway 966 up to Kalamassery municipality and on roads leading towards Cochin Port and Willingdon Island.
Expressing concern over the recurring problem, Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas remarked,
“Every two kilometres, there is a huge pile of waste.”
The Bench observed that the Court or amicus curiae cannot be expected to identify every fresh dumping spot.
Court’s Observation
The Court prima facie observed that once waste is dumped on a public road, responsibility for its removal falls upon the government or concerned local authority, irrespective of who originally dumped it.
The Bench directed the State to instruct the concerned panchayats and municipalities to remove waste along the identified stretches of National Highway 966. Kochi Corporation was also directed to clear waste from specified locations and take measures to prevent further dumping.
The Court further asked authorities to promote public awareness, including through schools and social media campaigns.
Justice P. Gopinath sought details regarding the Railways’ waste disposal arrangement, including the quantity of waste collected and how different categories of waste are ultimately processed.
Decision
The Kerala State Pollution Control Board was directed to inspect the waste-processing facility of Konaris Advanced Polymers at Aluva and report on its segregation and processing systems.
The Court also directed the State to submit necessary reports and fixed September 11 for inspection of the Brahmapuram facility.
The matter was posted for further consideration on September 25.
