In a bold step to curb public littering, the Kerala government has decided to enforce stringent penalties, including fines up to ₹50,000. Local Self-Government Minister M.B. Rajesh announced that individuals who report such violations with credible evidence will be rewarded with 25% of the fine amount. The move aims to enhance public participation in maintaining cleanliness and effective waste management across the state.
The Kerala government has decided to do away with the existing ₹2,500 fine cap for public littering and introduce a new penalty system with fines up to ₹50,000. The revised policy also ensures that informants who provide evidence-backed reports will receive 25% of the collected fine as a reward. This initiative is expected to incentivize the public to actively participate in curbing violations.
The new directive seeks to increase public involvement in reporting acts of illegal dumping of waste in public places. The minister has instructed all local self-government institutions to guarantee that informants who share valid evidence receive their due reward. Members of Haritha Karma Sena, NSS volunteers, SPC cadets, and college students will be integrated into this monitoring system.
The single WhatsApp number 9446700800 has been receiving a steady stream of complaints, and a dedicated control room has been set up at the Directorate of Local Self-Government to monitor and act on these complaints effectively.
So far, 8,674 complaints related to littering and public waste dumping have been received via WhatsApp. Of these, 5,361 complaints with valid evidence were accepted, and action—including waste removal—was taken in 4,525 cases (84.41%). In 439 cases where the violators were identified with concrete evidence, a total of ₹33.5 lakh in fines has been imposed. Prosecution proceedings have been initiated in 31 cases.
Most complaints have been reported from Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram districts, while the least came from Wayanad.
Under the new rules:
Individuals or institutions caught littering or burning waste in public may face fines up to ₹5,000.
Dumping wastewater in public spaces or water bodies will attract fines ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹50,000.
Depositing waste or excreta in water bodies can result in fines between ₹10,000 and ₹50,000, along with imprisonment of 6 months to 1 year.
Selling banned plastic products may incur penalties from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000.
Transporting waste illegally in vehicles may lead to vehicle seizure and legal action.
