With 40 days remaining for the completion of the Malinya Muktham Navakeralam campaign of the State government to address waste management issues, as many as 182 local bodies are lagging behind in meeting the targets set under the campaign, Minister for Local Self-Governments M.B. Rajesh has said.
He was speaking while presiding over the local self-government day celebrations and distribution of the Swaraj Trophy awards, instituted by the State government to recognise the best performances in local self-government institutions for governance and welfare activities, in Guruvayur on Wednesday.
Most in Malappuram
Out of the 182 local bodies yet to achieve the targets, the maximum number of 75 is from Malappuram district, while Kollam, with just two local bodies not meeting the target, is the top performer. The capital district has nine local bodies yet to hit the targets.
“I am not singling out and naming these local bodies, but I will reach out to them individually. All these 182 local bodies will have to step up their activities to meet the targets by March 30, on which day the ‘zero waste Kerala’ declaration will be made. Else, it will take the sheen out of the good work done by the rest of the 882 local bodies in the State. The local self-government department will in the coming days concentrate all its attention on these 182 local bodies,” said Mr. Rajesh.
13 guidelines
He said that the local bodies will have to satisfy 13 guidelines to be eligible for the declaration, including the setting up of at least one material collection facility, basic infrastructure for waste management, putting up of required waste bins in public spaces and strengthening enforcement activities. Stringent fines will have to be imposed on waste dumpers. The Minister also hinted at changes in local body-related rules in line with the Ease of Doing Business requirements.
Earlier, inaugurating the event, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan lauded the role played by the local bodies in the State in achieving many of its goals in several sectors, including health, education, and development. He called on the local bodies to step up their activities to meet the targets for the Malinya Muktham Navakeralam campaign as well as the State government’s ongoing programme to alleviate extreme poverty.
Published – February 19, 2025 06:24 pm IST
