Date:03/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/03/stories/2008080353180300.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Draft bylaw moots stiff penalty for litter bugs

Special Correspondent

Thiruvananthapuram: Individuals and institutions responsible for careless disposal of garbage could face fine and prosecution, under the draft bylaw drawn up by the City Corporation for management of solid waste.

Large-scale garbage generators like residential colonies, hotels, clubs, wedding halls, apartment buildings, commercial establishments and markets would be required to install and maintain solid waste treatment facilities. The bylaw will make it mandatory for all licensed institutions to install these facilities. Any multiple-user unit which fails to set up a treatment plant will be denied renewal of licence.

Institutions will have to install the plant within six months after the notification is issued. Failure to do so would invite a fine of Rs.5,000 and a subsequent daily penalty of Rs.2000, over and above the amount levied by the corporation for collection of garbage. Transfer of garbage without segregation at source would invite a fine of Rs.100. Failure to pay the fee for collection of garbage entails payment of a fine of Rs.250. The bylaw makes it mandatory for hospitals to dispose of medical waste without environmental pollution.