The Kerala State Pollution Control Board (PCB), has requested that Thrikkakara Municipality remit 4.1 million as environment compensation for not complying with the Solid Waste Management Rules (2016).
The order was issued as per Section 5 of 1986’s Environment Protection Act. The assessment period runs from April 9, 2019 through December 31, 2020. The board’s action is in compliance with the polluter pays principle and the directive of National Green Tribunal (NGT).
The board stated that the civic body has been consistently violating rules and refusing to implement appropriate solid waste management strategies. The municipality is still disposing of biodegradable material at the Brahmapuram dumping yard of Kochi Corporation, which is in a disused state.
The order stated that non biodegradable waste was being disposed in violation of the hazardous landfill rules of Kerala Enviro Infrastructure Ltd.. This is meant to dispose of hazardous waste.
On February 18, 2021, a show-cause notice was sent to the municipality asking why compensation for environment damage should not be collected from it. On February 26, 2022, the Municipal Secretary provided a response pointing out that door-to-door waste collection from households was only 40% and 45%, respectively.
There are not enough material recovery and plastics waste recycling facilities. There are also no composting, biomethanation, construction and demolition waste management options.
The order stated that the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 were repeatedly sent to municipal authorities. The rules state that the civic body must have adequate facilities for managing solid waste by April 8, 2019, according to the rules.
