Tiruvanantpuram: The Kerala High Court questioned whether the Kerala government is properly tracking waste collected by private agencies until its final scientific disposal. The Court also suggested regular audits and better use of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to strengthen the State’s waste management system.
Details of Kerala Monitoring of Waste Collection Agencies
The Kerala High Court expressed concern over whether waste collected from homes, institutions, and businesses is actually being processed according to environmental rules after collection.
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The Court observed that simply registering or empanelling waste collection agencies is not enough. It stressed that authorities must ensure waste reaches authorised processing facilities instead of being dumped illegally.
Kerala Monitoring of Waste Collection Agencies: Court Wants Stronger Audits
The Bench questioned whether these checks continue effectively after agencies begin operations. The judges observed that agencies collect waste from thousands of households, making continuous monitoring necessary. They suggested that the State should conduct periodic audits to verify whether collected waste is scientifically processed and not dumped elsewhere.
The Court warned that agencies could continue collecting service charges without meeting environmental objectives if proper audits are missing.
Kerala Monitoring of Waste Collection Agencies: Illegal Dumping Remains a Major Concern
The State admitted that illegal dumping continues because of:
- Shortage of authorised waste collection agencies
- Limited waste processing infrastructure
- Operations by unempanelled collectors
Officials also acknowledged that monitoring remains challenging despite GPS tracking and inspections.
Court Suggests Better Use of CSR Funds
The Kerala High Court suggested that the State Government coordinate with companies willing to spend Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds on environmental projects. The Court said CSR money could help:
- Develop waste management infrastructure
- Improve public facilities
- Build pedestrian-friendly areas
- Support scientific waste disposal projects
The government informed the Court that a State-level waste management committee already exists and the CSR coordination proposal would be placed before it for consideration.
Government Explains Existing Monitoring System
During the hearing, the Principal Secretary of the Local Self Government Department (LSGD) informed the Court that the Suchitwa Mission has a monitoring system for empanelled waste collection agencies. According to the government, agencies seeking empanelment must provide:
- Pollution Control Board registration
- Consent certificates
- Modern waste handling facilities
- Ownership documents for collection vehicles
- GPS tracking for waste transport
- Valid agreements with authorised waste processing facilities
Officials also inspect agencies before approval and require them to submit regular reports on the quantity of waste collected. Random inspections are also conducted after empanelment.
Public Opposition Slowing Waste Projects
The State also highlighted another major challenge—public resistance to new waste management facilities. Officials said many residents oppose such projects near their localities, making it difficult to establish new treatment plants needed for proper waste processing. Weekly review meetings are being held to address these issues.
Court Seeks Progress Report
The Bench directed the State Government to provide an update on its proposal to establish decentralised waste treatment plants across Kerala before the next hearing. The Court emphasised that waste management requires continuous monitoring and timely action to prevent environmental damage.
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